The aim of the Culture 2000 programme, which combines the old “Raphaël”, “Kaleidoscope” and “Ariane” programmes, was to develop a common cultural area by promoting cultural dialogue, knowledge of the history, creation and dissemination of culture, the mobility of artists and their works, European cultural heritage, new forms of cultural expression and the socio-economic role of culture. “Culture 2000” supported transnational cooperation projects which involved cooperation between creative artists, cultural operators and the cultural institutions of the countries participating in the programme.