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Within the context of the 2010 European Year, the Council adopted conclusions on the role of culture in combating poverty and social exclusion at the Education, Youth, Culture and Sport Council meeting of 18 and 19 November.

As culture can promote social inclusion, a cultural dimension should be incorporated into national and European policies. Participation in cultural life and artistic education can play a key role in fighting poverty, promoting the inclusion of social groups prone to isolation as well as encouraging cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

• To combine culture and the fight against poverty, the Council recommendations include:
• Involving different stakeholders such as people experiencing poverty and associations
• Encouraging  collaboration and sharing best practice
• Carrying out research and analysis on the role culture can have in combating poverty and social exclusion
• Making cultural activities accessible to all types of public, this can be on information, awareness raising, cost and physical access to the buildings for example for people with disabilities

The Council also made wider recommendations which include making use of the cohesion policy instruments available to Member States and the European Commission to support cultural initiatives to combat poverty and social exclusion. Additionally, these conclusions should be taken into account for the achievement of the objectives of the Europe 2020 Strategy.