Pioneering handbook for cultural emergency relief published by Prince Claus Fund and NAi Publishers An impassioned argument for culture as a fundamental factor in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the societies affected by conflict and disaster

‘All that we’re wrecking is stones’ was the Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar’s description of the destruction of the Buddhas of Bamyan in March 2001, the largest standing statues of Buddha in the world. The Taliban’s aim was not to smash stones, but to break the soul of a culture, the spirit of the people who venerated other gods. The guiding principle of this publication, Cultural Emergency in Conflict and Disaster, is that culture is a basic need. Combining theoretical approaches and case studies, this collectively authored publication draws upon the experience of academics, practitioners and international experts in the field.

Cultural Emergency in Conflict and Disaster

Editors: Berma Klein Goldewijk, Georg Frerks and Els van der PlasEnglish edition | ISBN 978-90-5662-817-8 | Recommended Retail Price € 49.50 | Available 7 September 2011Paperback | Illustrated (colour and b&w) | 400 pages | 17 x 24 cm | Design: Irma BoomNAi Publishers in association with the Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development

Practice-based examples of emergency relief in disaster and conflict situations are alternated with contributions that tackle international legal questions, political dimensions and sociocultural perspectives. The result is both an indictment of the senseless destruction of cultural heritage and an impassioned argument for culture as a fundamental factor in the rebuilding and reconstruction of the societies that have been affected by conflict and disaster.

This pioneering handbook for cultural emergency relief is being launched in the framework of the Prince Claus Fund’s Cultural Emergency Response programme. Amongst other issues, it includes a compelling contribution on efforts to safeguard the collections and reconstruct the National Museum of Afghanistan that suffered immensely from the effects of war and the destabilising effects of the iconoclastic Taliban regime. It also addresses the global traffic in Iraqi antiquities and recovery efforts following the fall of Saddam Hussein in April 2003. Locally rooted reconstruction initiatives in the aftermath of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004 are also examined. The publication is illustrated by a captivating series of photo essays such as that demonstrating the impact of the devastating earthquake of 12 January 2010 on Haiti's unique architectural heritage.

The publication Cultural Emergency in Conflict and Disaster, with a specially designed scratch cover, will be available in bookstores from 7 September.

Cultural Emergency Response

Cultural Emergency Response (CER) is the Prince Claus Fund’s aid programme for cultural heritage that has been damaged or destroyed in man-made or natural disaster. By providing rapid and effective support, CER aims to stabilize the situation and implement basic repairs. Launched in 2003 in shocked reaction to the looting of the National Museum of Iraq, the Prince Claus Fund believes that cultural heritage can play a positive role in the reconstruction of communities affected by conflict and disaster.

Book Launch

This publication will be launched in the Peace Palace in The Hague on 6 September on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the Prince Claus Fund.

Press information

To request a review copy or high-resolution images, please contact Esmeralda Eggen, +31 (0)10 201 0132, or e-mail press@naipublishers.nl.

For further information on the book launch or should you wish to be present as press you can contact Mette Gratama van Andel through m.gratama@princeclausfund.nl . We both would appreciate a copy of your review.