articles
Here you can find information about activities, organisations and individuals supported by the Prince Claus Fund with extra information on the often complicated context in which activities are realised or partners of the Fund work in.
The articles are written in the context of the Fund’s two guiding themes for its support and activities – Zones of Silence and Beauty in Context. For the period of 2011-2015 Culture and Conflict is selected as a special theme. Previous themes - Creating Spaces of Freedom and Living Together - are integrated in the Fund’s conception of the two guiding themes.
Zones of Silence
The Prince Claus Fund creates space for people and activities that are hidden and silenced through exclusion, displacement, war and/or unjust local or national governments. Zones of silence which lack possibilities for individual and cultural expression require special attention because alternatives to the mainstream are of crucial importance in the functioning of a society. This theme transcends geographical boundaries and local opportunities are stimulated against the Fund’s background of the international network. (tag: zones of silence).
Beauty in Context
The Prince Claus Fund researches and analyses beauty in various environments and circumstances. The concept of beauty is indefinable, yet appealing to every individual. In international circles it is often considered to be elitist and undemocratic, as it is so culturally and socially related. However, the feelings connected to experiencing beauty are crucial in people’s daily lives. Therefore one of the Prince Claus Fund’s major themes is titled Beauty in Context. Because in the most challenging and complicated circumstances, beauty can still be of defining importance. (tag: beauty in context).
Special Focus 2011-2015: Culture and Conflict
Culture and Conflict is the Prince Claus Fund’s special focus between 2011 and 2015. The underlying notion for this focus is the recognition of the need for culture in the processing and prevention of conflict situations as they occur. In addition to food, shelter and medical care, culture is important in rebuilding a post-conflict society. Providing a sense of belonging and meaningfulness to daily life, cultural heritage forms a fundament on which societies are built. (tag: culture conflict).
search the library
28.9.2010 CER Damage Assessment: Haiti 2010
After the devastating earthquake hit Haiti on 12 January 2010, the island sustained large numbers of casualties and is facing huge challenges in rebuilding the disrupted infrastructure. Haiti bears important architectural heritage, an emblematic example of which are the numerous “Gingerbread Houses” of Port-au-Prince. To assess how badly these were damaged, the Prince Claus Fund’s...
27.9.2010 The Importance of Being Elegant for Congolese Sapeurs
In cooperation with the Amsterdam Fund of the Arts, the Prince Claus Fund established an international art programme in 2010. One of the most remarkable aspects of this programme was the theme of sapeurism. Sapeurs are members of the Societe des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Elegantes, they are dandies who have made fashion their religion, whilst living in agonising urban circumstances.
20.8.2010 Network Partner DRIK Picture Library: Crossfire Exhibition
The Network Partnership programme is an important fundament for the activities of the Prince Claus Fund. In this programme cultural exchanges are encouraged based on respect and trust. In 2010 the Bangladeshi organization DRIK Picture Library is a network partner, host of the annual network partner meeting in Dhaka. During this meeting, DRIK hosted a photography exhibition, which was unexpectedly prevented...
3.7.2010 IFCHINA Museum of Memories (2010)
The Independent Filmmakers of China (IFCHINA) is an initiative by documentary maker Jian Yi. It focuses on enhancing social cohesion by means of documentary films in smaller local communities, which in turn is also the main topic of most documentaries. With workshops and trainings Jian Yi stimulates individuals to document their lives in order to create a sense of community and belonging for them.
8.12.2009 Culture, Sports and Commemoration in Rwanda: Sixteen (2010)
The year of the World Cup being hosted in South Africa marks the sixteenth year since the inhabitants of Rwanda witnessed a genocide. During this, the football stadium of Kibuye played an important role. The Rwandan organization Esperance organizes activities on the crossroads of sports and culture, and is aimed at Rwandan youth to allow for discussion on the influences the genocide still has on their...
