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).
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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...
22.12.2009 Principal Laureate 2009: Simon Velez
In 2009 the theme of the Prince Claus Fund Awards was Culture & Nature. Colombian architect Simon Velez was awarded as principal laureate for his innovative use of bamboo in creating monumental and beautiful structures. In addition to reflecting its strong roots in traditional Colombian architecture, Velez’s use of bamboo also creates buildings which are appropriate for even the most difficult...
1.3.2009 CER Project: Gaza Architectural Heritage
On 28 December 2008 the Islamic University of Gaza was bombed, completely destroying the Centre for Architectural Heritage that was located on its premises. The Prince Claus Fund’s Cultural Emergency Response Programme (CER) launched a project to provide support for this important institution to continue its activities in a situation marked by violence and unrest.
1.12.2007 Laureate 2007: Radio Isanganiro
Launched in 2002 by a group of Burundian journalists, Radio Isanganiro attempts to broadcast impartial and participatory radio programmes. Isanganiro means ‘meeting point’ in the local Kirundi language and the initiators of the radio station strongly believe in the power of dialogue, and see the importance of countering oppressive forces.
1.12.2005 Principal Laureate 2005: Zapiro
In 2005 the South-African Cartoonist Zapiro was the Principal Laureate of the Prince Claus Awards. The annual theme was Humour & Satire and Zapiro was praised for his incredible wit as well as the talent to visualize this in his cartoons. Published in international newspapers his criticism is a welcome alternative to the governmentally regulated information stream.
