EU Prize for Cultural Heritage

By James Laverty - last updated on 20 August 2012

The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards is open for applications and are designed to celebrate excellence in cultural heritage conservation.

The aims of the Europa Nostra Awards are to promote high standards of conservation practice and to stimulate the exchange of knowledge and experience throughout Europe.

Europa Nostra and the European Union reward the best cultural heritage achievements through the European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards. This is a celebration of excellence and dedication by architects, craftsmen, volunteers, schools, local communities, heritage owners and media.

The awards celebrate exemplary restorations and initiatives of the many facets of Europe’s cultural heritage in 4 categories. The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards consists of two award levels. Up to six entries will be awarded a Grand Prix, which includes a monetary award of € 10 000. Up to twenty-five entries will receive an Award.

Outstanding achievements in the field of heritage conservation and enhancement will be awarded in the following categories:

Conservation
Research
Dedicated Service by Individuals or Organisations
Education, Training and Awareness-Raising

Criteria
The assessment of entries include excellence in the work executed and preliminary research conducted, as well as respect for artistic, cultural and social value, setting, authenticity and integrity. Special attention will also be paid to sustainability, interpretation and presentation, educational work, funding and management, and social responsibility. Entries can be on a scale ranging from small to large, local to international, and should display a standard of work considered outstanding in a European context.

Prevous winners include

Mourne Homestaeds - Co Down whish gained a diploma in 2006.