Prince Constantijn Interprets Culture and Conflict at the Prince Claus Awards Ceremony

To impart the theme for the 2007 Prince Claus Awards, Prince Constantijn of the Netherlands incorporated Culture and Conflict in his speech on Wednesday and elucidated the gathering of winners, the Dutch royal family and Prince Claus board members with his interpretation of cultural expression regarding conflict, by saying, “cultural expression contributes to the protection and growth of human civilisation and the dignity of individuals and their communities. Thus, culture tends to defend freedom of expression when there is oppression, and to shake things up when society gets too sedate or too decadent. Seen from this perspective, culture is a mobilising force. It contains the energy necessary for change and growth, and thus provides a vital component for sustainable human development.”

“It is this positive and creative force that we want to nurture. Deep down within us, we hope – I would argue, universally - that THIS, and not the destructive and brutal violence of conflict, is the true reflection of our human nature. In this perspective, it is cultural expression that provides the hope, the vitality and inspiration for human beings in their struggle for survival.”

During the ceremony, choregrapher/dancer Faustin Linyekula was honoured by Prince Constantijn with the Principal Laureate of the Prince Claus Award.

Established in 1996, The Prince Claus Fund seeks “to enhance understanding of cultures and to promote interaction between culture and development.”

Prince Constantijn’s entire speech from the 2007 Prince Claus Awards can be read here.

For more information on The Prince Claus fund, visit the official website.

Photos: ANP and Lex van Lieshout