Deadline for applications for the 2011 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage is 1 October 2010. Each year, Europa Nostra and the European Union reward the best of cultural heritage achievements with these prizes.

The European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards are granted each year by the European Commission and Europa Nostra. They identify and promote best practices in the conservation of tangible cultural heritage and stimulate cross border exchanges of knowledge and experience throughout Europe. They are funded through the EU Culture Programme,

They aim at raising public awareness about Europe's cultural heritage and at encouraging best practices through the power of example. The awards celebrate exemplary restorations and initiatives of the many facets of Europe’s cultural heritage in  4 categories, described below. Every year, up to six monetary awards of €10.000 each are awarded to the top laureates in the various categories. Candidates for Grand Prizes 2010 have already been anounced, and the winners will be chosen in a ceremony in Istambul on 10th June 2010.

Outstanding heritage achievements are awarded in the following categories:

Conservation

Outstanding achievements in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in the following areas:

• Single buildings or groups of buildings in rural or urban setting.
• Industrial and engineering structures and sites.
• Cultural landscapes: historic parks and gardens, larger areas of designed landscape, or areas of cultural, environmental ad/or agricultural significance.
• Archaeological sites, including underwater archaeology.
• Works of art and collections: collections of artistic and historic significance or old works of art.

Research

Outstanding research which leads to tangible effects in the conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage in Europe in any of the above-mentioned Category 1 areas.

Dedicated Service by Individuals or Organisations

Open to individuals or organisations whose contributions over a long period of time demonstrate excellence in the protection, conservation and enhancement of cultural heritage (relating to the above-mentioned Category 1 areas) in Europe. The contribution should be of a standard which would be considered outstanding in the European context.

Education, Training and Awareness-Raising

Outstanding initiatives related to heritage education, training schemes in cultural heritage conservation, and programmes for raising awareness on cultural heritage.

Europa Nostra represents some 250 non-governmental organisations, 150 associate organisations and 1500 individual members from more than 50 countries who are fully committed to safeguarding Europe’s cultural heritage and landscapes.

Documents for the application are available at Europa Nostra website.