محمود درويش يفوز بجائرة ثقافية هولندية

The 2004 Prince Claus Award goes to the Palestinian Poet
Mahmoud Darwish
1 December Presentation of the 2004 Prince Claus Awards
On Wednesday 1 December, this year’s Principal Prince Claus Award of
€100,000 will be presented to the Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish at
the Royal Palace. Darwish has been granted this award for his powerful and
world-famous poetry that depicts his life as an exile and his desire for his
native country.The award reflects the Fund’s new focus on the positive
results of asylum and migration.The other nine laureates will be presented
with their awards in their own countries.
Since 1997 the Prince Claus Awards have been presented annually by the
Prince Claus Fund for Culture and Development to artists, thinkers and
cultural organisations that are mainly located in Africa,Asia, Latin America
and the Caribbean.Through these awards, the Fund pays homage to the
laureates for their oeuvre and their dedication to culture and social engagement.
This year, the laureates have been honoured for their contributions to
theatre, literature, sport, dance, cultural heritage and social involvement.
For the first time, awards have been granted to laureates in Palestine,
Myanmar (formerly Burma),Tajikistan and Bhutan.
Laureates whose work reflects the positive results of asylum and migration:
The Principal Award of €100,000:
Mahmoud Darwish (1942, Palestine) is one of the most important contemporary
Arab poets to achieve international fame. His award has been granted for his impressive
oeuvre in which he articulates his personal experiences as a poet in protracted exile in
simple but powerful language.His work draws attention to the consequences of forced
migration and he consistently emphasises the power of beauty in difficult circumstances.
Darwish was born in 1942 in Berweh near Acre, Palestine.When the state of Israel was
founded in 1948, he fled with his family to Lebanon. He later returned and worked as a
journalist in Haifa. However, his political activities resulted in his deportation from Israel
in 1970. He studied in Moscow and spent 26 years in exile in Beirut, Cyprus, Paris,Tunis
and Amman. He returned to Ramallah in 1996. Darwish’s impassioned oeuvre revolves
around a longing for peace and his personal quest for identity and his native country.
Press Release

II: An Explanation of the 2004
Prince Claus Awards
III: The Prince Claus Laureates
2003–1997
F o n d s
C
The 2004 Prince Claus Awards of € 25,000:
Jawad Al Assadi (1947, Iraq) is one of the most authoritative and innovative experimental
theatre-makers in the Arab world. He has been granted this award for his dedication
to freedom of cultural expression.Al Assadi believes that theatre contributes to a
critical social awareness.
Tin Moe (1933, Myanmar, formerly Burma) was unofficially known as ‘the national poet’
long before he fled his country. He was selected for a Prince Claus Award on the basis
of the quality of his work and for his efforts to maintain culture as a source of power,
inspiration and identity.
Laureates who are involved with the areas of music, dance, sport,
cultural heritage and social engagement:
The Bhutan Archery Federation (1970, Bhutan) is an active voluntary organisation
that strives to maintain and develop traditional archery as a national sport.The
organisation has been granted its Prince Claus Award for its tireless efforts on behalf
of the traditional form of archery.
Ivaldo Bertazzo (1949, Brazil) is a choreographer, dance teacher and movement
therapist. He has developed a series of innovative training schemes for underprivileged
young people to make them aware of their creative and physical potential. He also
stimulates respect for both the body and the mind, and he gives these youngsters a
sense of confidence in the future.
Halet اambel (1916,Turkey) has carried out important archaeological research
involving excavations and the restoration of the famous Karatepe Aslantas¸ fortress in
Anatolia. She has also set up the first open air museum and has worked on countless
TV programs. اambel has made an essential contribution to the preservation of Turkish
cultural heritage, and it is for this reason that she has been granted a Prince Claus Award.
Omara Khan Massoudi (1948,Afghanistan) is the director of Kabul’s National
Museum. He managed to safeguard important parts of the Museum’s collection during
the Taliban regime at considerable risk to his own life. He has been granted the Prince
Claus Award for his work to rehabilitate the Museum and to prevent the #####ng of
important historical and cultural locations.
Aminata Traoré, (1947, Mali) is a social and cultural activist who emphasises the
relation between economy, politics and culture.Traoré is a writer and the co-ordinator
of the Forum for Another Mali. She has been selected for the award because of her
militant contribution to the international debate on a different form of globalisation
as based on cultural and political creativity.
Memoria Abierta (1999,Argentina) is an alliance of seven human rights organisations
that work to preserve the memory of state terrorism in Argentina.This organization
has been granted an award for its contribution to promoting an awareness of this past
that in turn reinforces democratic culture.
Farrokh Ghasim (1948,Tajikistan) has modernised Tajiki theatre through his work
as an actor and director. He blends Tajikistan’s diverse cultural traditions through the
performances of his theatre group Akhorun. Ghasim’s award is for his engagement
and artistic contribution to the theatre and literature of Tajikistan.
Carlinhos Brown and the Prince Claus Fund Journal #11
The presentation at the Royal Palace will include a performance by the Brazilian
musician and 2003 Prince Claus laureate Carlinhos Brown.To mark the 2004 Prince
Claus Awards, the Fund is publishing the Prince Claus Fund Journal #11 on the
positive results of asylum and migration.This issue will be co-published by Biblio:
A Review of Books (India) and edited by Tabish Khair.
For information about the Prince Claus Awards (interviews/visual material




Appendix I: The 2004 Prince Claus Awards
The Principal Prince Claus Award of €100,000
The Principal Award is to be presented to Mahmoud Darwish (1942, Palestine), one
of the most well-known poets in the Arab world who has achieved an international
reputation. His poetry reflects his personal experiences as a writer who spent more
than 26 years in exile:‘Exile is not a geographic state. I carry it everywhere, as I carry
my homeland.’ The hard reality of Palestine and life as an exile are translated into
universal emotions of loss, love and struggle.His poems focus on a longing for peace
and his personal quest for identity and his native country. He has brought out more
than 30 books that have been published in more than 35 languages.As a part of its new
focus on ‘the positive results of asylum and migration’, the Fund has granted this Award
to Darwish for his extraordinary literary oeuvre and his commitment to intercultural
dialogue and freedom of artistic expression.
The Prince Claus Awards of € 25,000:
Theatre
Jawad Al Assadi (1947, Iraq) is a prominent and innovative theatre-maker in the Arab
world. He fled Saddam Hussein’s Iraq and spent 25 years in various Arab countries.
His vision is that theatre plays an important role in the development of a critical social
awareness.Al Assadi often works with young actors, and as a teacher he contributes to
the development of progressive thinking about theatre in this region.Al Assadi has now
returned to Iraq and has recently set up the Gilgamesh Arts Centre in Baghdad.This
award also reflects the theme of asylum and migration, and the jury particularly valued
Al Assadi’s active role in the struggle for freedom of thought and cultural expression
both in Iraq and beyond. In November Al Assadi will present his play ‘Women in War’
at the AZ Theatre in London.
Farrokh Ghasim (1948,Tajikistan) is an actor and theatre-maker who has introduced
innovation and engagement into Tajiki theatre. He was banned from creating plays in the
1970s because of his critical attitude towards the totalitarian system.With little by way
of resources, Ghasim set up his theatre group Akhorun when Tajikistan opened up again
in the 1980s. He developed his own form of theatre with this group that was based on
the historical sources of Tajiki culture. He successfully combined verses from the Koran
with Sufi mysticism and texts from European theatre literature. Ghasim trains young actors,
and he and his theatre group are regular guests at festivals in the Middle East, and in
Western and Eastern Europe. It is due to his efforts that Tajikistan has re-emerged onto
the international cultural platform, to which it had no access during the Soviet period.
Literature
Tin Moe (1933, Myanmar, formerly Burma) is a well-known writer whose literary work
had achieved great recognition and appreciation before the advent of the military
dictatorship in Burma. Living in involuntary exile, he is unofficially regarded as being his
country’s ‘national poet’.Although his work is banned in Burma, he continues to write
poetry and other work in Belgium and the United States. His texts are a constant
source of inspiration for his people.Tin Moe’s poems are circulated in pro-democratic
circles in Burma and are regularly published in the foreign media.This award was
granted in the context of both the Fund’s new focus on ‘the positive results of asylum
and migration’ and its emphasis on the ‘zones of silence’.The Fund prioritises activities
that provide support and scouting in these areas.
Sport
The Bhutan Archery Federation (1970, Bhutan).Archery is a living tradition in
Bhutan that dates back to the 6th century BC. No festivity in Bhutan is complete
without an archery competition.The Bhutan Archery Federation, which consists
entirely of volunteers, aims at preserving and modernising traditional archery as the p. 3/4
Prince Claus Fund for
Culture and Development
The Prince Claus Fund is a platform
for intercultural exchange. It works
jointly with individuals and organisations
that are mainly located in Africa, Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean, on the
realisation of activities and publications
reflecting a contemporary approach to
the themes of culture and development.
The Prince Claus Awards form a part
of this policy.

dynamic expression of local cultural values.The Fund is honouring the Federation for
its tireless efforts on behalf of this form of archery and its international recognition.
This award is also a continuation of the Fund’s emphasis on ‘sport and development’.
As Prince Claus once said:‘Sport contributes to people’s harmonious development.’
Dance
Ivaldo Bertazzo (1949, Brazil) is an important choreographer, dance teacher and
movement therapist in Sمo Paulo. He has created a new trend in Brazilian dance by
enabling professionals and young people to work together. Bertazzo is the founder
of the School for the Re-Education of Movement. Using his own movement technique,
he teaches youngsters from the slums to respect both the body and the mind. He has
also succeeded in developing this concept into new and inventive dance productions.
An extraordinary aspect of his work is that his productions integrate the various
cultures of Brazil and Asia. His innovative programs introduce underprivileged young
people to the different cultures of Brazil. www.ivaldober tazzo.com.br
Cultural Heritage
Halet اambel (1916,Turkey) is an archaeologist and expert in the prehistory of
Anatolia. Her expertise, which emphasises international co-operation and an
enthusiastic approach to research, has resulted in work that has had a lasting influence
on young archaeologists. اambel set up the first Chair for Prehistoric Studies at the
University of Istanbul. In addition, she has been responsible for the 50-year-long
restoration of the Karatepe Aslantas¸ fortress in Anatolia that dates from the 8th
century BC. She also founded the first archaeological museum in Turkey on the site of
this excavation.The jury has selected her for a Prince Claus Award on the basis of her
extraordinary dedication to the archaeological research and preservation of Turkey’s
cultural heritage.
Omara Khan Massoudi (1948,Afghanistan).The survival of much of the collection
of Kabul’s National Museum – which is a part of the world’s cultural heritage – is thanks
to the actions of its director Omara Khan Massoudi. He took great risks by securing
the safety of important objects during the Taliban regime.This award has been made in
recognition of his extraordinary courage and perseverance in safeguarding Afghanistan’s
cultural memory and heritage for future generations. Khan Massoudi is now primarily
involved in restoring the Museum and its collection along with protecting cultural and
historic monuments from further destruction and #####ng.
Culture & Social Engagement
Aminata Traoré (1947, Mali) is a social and cultural activist. She is a writer and used
to be Mali’s Minister of Tourism and Culture.Traoré launches innovative actions and
helps communities in poor urban areas to find solutions within their own culture.Along
with founding a cultural training centre for high-quality crafts, she has used local knowledge
and materials to set up a guesthouse, a gallery and a restaurant.The Prince Claus
Fund has granted this award for her active participation in national and international
debates on a different form of globalisation as based on cultural and political creativity.
Memoria Abierta (1999,Argentina) means ‘open memory’ in Spanish. It is an alliance
of seven human rights organisations that was set up to help the victims of Argentinean
state terror to deal with their traumatic past.The alliance encourages the rehabilitation
of communities and cultures that have experienced trauma.The current priority is the
founding of a museum to house and present the materials from the time of the
dictatorship.This also enables Memoria Abierta to focus on the future.The jury feels
that in an era when human rights are being increasingly sidelined, Memoria Abierta’s
work is essential to Argentina’s truth and reconciliation process.
www.memoriaabierta.com.ar
p. 4/4
Prince Claus Fund for
Culture and Development
The Prince Claus Fund is a platform
for intercultural exchange. It works
jointly with individuals and organisations
that are mainly located in Africa, Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean, on the
realisation of activities and publications
reflecting a contemporary approach to
the themes of culture and development.
The Prince Claus Awards form a part
of this policy.
Prince Claus Fund
Apendix II:An Explanation of the 2004 Prince Claus Awards
The Prince Claus Awards
The Prince Claus Awards have recognised the artistic and intellectual qualities of organisations and
individuals since 1997.They support innovation, engagement and perseverance in the areas of
culture and development.The Prince Claus Fund interprets culture in a broad sense to encompass
all kinds of artistic and intellectual disciplines along with science, media and sport.
Asylum and Migration
Over the years the Prince Claus Fund has chosen a number of themes that shape its contribution
to the relation between culture and development.Asylum and migration are often associated
with negative connotations such as social disintegration, unrest and crime.However, asylum and
migration have always existed and have in many situations been the agents of positive social
and cultural developments.
This year, the Prince Claus Fund has sought examples of the positive results of asylum and
migration for its activities and awards:What do migrants contribute to their new environment?
Which new perspectives have they acquired through their relocation? In the Fund’s view,
migration leads to cultural diversity, enrichment and transmission.
The 2004 Awards Committee
Niek Biegman, chairman, member of the Board of the Prince Claus Fund, photographer,
formerly the Netherlands’ permanent representative at the NATO. He lives in Amsterdam
and Janjina (Croatia)
Aracy Amaral, art historian, critic and curator, Sمo Paulo (Brazil)
Sadik Al-Azm, Professor of Philosophy, 2004 Erasmus Award Laureate, Damascus (Syria)
Goenawan Mohamad, journalist and poet, Jakarta (Indonesia)
Pedro Pimenta, film-maker,Maputo (Mozambique) and Johannesburg (South Africa)
Claudia Roden, culinary historian and writer, 1999 Prince Claus Laureate, Cairo (Egypt) and
London (the United Kingdom)
Mick Pearce, architect, 2003 Prince Claus Laureate, Harare (Zimbabwe)/Melbourne (Australia)
Prince Claus Fund for
Culture and Development
The Prince Claus Fund is a platform
for intercultural exchange. It works
jointly with individuals and organisations
that are mainly located in Africa, Asia,
Latin America and the Caribbean, on the
realisation of activities and publications
reflecting a contemporary approach to
the themes of culture and development.
The Prince Claus Awards form a part
of this policy.
Prince Claus Fund

:
The Prince Claus Laureates 2003 – 1997
2003
The 2003 Principal Award for ‘The Survival and
Innovation of Crafts’ was presented to
Wang Shixiang (PR China)
The other awards in 2003 went to:
The 2002 Arab Human Development Report
The Biboki Weavers and Yovita Meta (Indonesia)
Carlinhos Brown (Brazil)
G.N. Devy (India)
The District Six Museum (South Africa)
The Mathare Youth Sports Association (Kenya)
New Argentinean Cinema: Lita Stantic (Argentina)
Mick Pearce (Zimbabwe)
The Reyum Institute of Arts and Culture (Cambodia)
Hasan Saltik (Turkey)
2002
The 2002 Principal Award for ‘Languages and
Transcultural Forms of Expression’ was presented to
Mohammed Chafik (Morocco)
The other awards in 2002 went to:
Marcelo Araْz Lavadenz (Bolivia)
Ali Ferzat (Syria)
Ferreira Gullar (Brazil)
Amira Hass (Israel)
Lembaga Kajian Islam dan Sosial (LKiS) (Indonesia)
Youssou N’Dour (Senegal)
Virginia Pérez-Ratton (Costa Rica)
Walter Tournier (Uruguay)
Wu Liangyong (PR China)
2001
The 2001 Principal Award for ‘celebrating Carnival’
was presented to the Summer Carnival Foundation
(the Netherlands) and the artist and designer Peter
Minshall (Trinidad)
The other awards in 2001 went to:
Chris Abani (Nigeria/USA)
Duong Thu Huong (Vietnam)
Jahan-e Ketab (Iran)
Samuel Fosso (Central African Republic)
Mehri Maftun (Afghanistan)
Antoun Maqdesi (Syria)
Ibrahim Salahi (Sudan/the United Kingdom)
Elena Rivera Mirano (the Philippines)
Talingo (Panama)
Ivلn Thays (Peru)
2000
The 2000 Principal Award was presented to three
‘Urban Heroes’:
Jaime Lerner (Brazil)
Viva Rio (Brazil) and
Francisco Toledo (Mexico)
The other awards in 2000 went to:
Bush Radio (South Africa)
Communalism Combat (India)
Cui Jian (PR China)
The Film Resource Unit (South Africa)
Arif Hasan (Pakistan)
Bhupen Khakhar (India)
Komal Kothari (India)
Werewere Liking (Ivory Coast)
Ayu Utami (Indonesia)
Van Leo (Egypt)
1999
The 1999 Principal Award for
‘Creating Spaces of Freedom’ was presented to:
Fellag (France/Algeria),
Vitral (Cuba) and
Al-Jazeera (Qatar)
The other awards in 1999 went to:
Patrick Chamoiseau (Martinique)
Paulin J. Hountondji (Benin)
Pepetela (Angola)
Cildo Meireles (Brazil)
Dessalegn Rahmato (Ethiopia)
Juana Marta Rodas and Julia Isيdrez (Paraguay)
Claudia Roden (United Kingdom/Egypt)
Cheick Oumar Sissoko (Mali)
Tsai Chih Chung (Taiwan)
Ken Yeang (Malaysia)
1998
The 1998 Principal Award for
‘The Art of African Fashion’ was presented to:
Alphadi (Niger),
Oumou Sy (Senegal) and
Tetteh Adzedu (Ghana)
The other awards in 1998 went to:
Rakhshan Bani-Etemad (Iran)
Heri Dono (Indonesia)
Ticio Escobar (Paraguay)
Jyotindra Jain (India)
Jean-Baptiste Kiéthéga (Burkina Faso)
David Koloane (South Africa)
Baaba Maal (Senegal)
Carlos Monsivلis (Mexico)
Redza Piyadasa (Malaysia)
Rogelio Salmona (Colombia)
Kumar Shahani (India)
Tian Zhuang Zhuang (PR China)
Nazek Saba-Yared (Lebanon)
1997
The 1997 Principal Award was presented to the
Zimbabwe International Book Fair
The other awards in 1997 went to:
The Council for the Development of Social Science
Research in Africa (Senegal)
The Index on Censorship (United Kingdom)
Malangatana Valente Ngwenya (Mozambique)
Joseph Hanson Kwabena Nketia (Ghana)
Sardono W. Kusumo (Indonesia)
Bruno Stagno (Costa Rica)
Jim Supangkat (Indonesia)
Abdeljelil Temimi (Tunisia)
Ernest Wamba-dia-Wamba (Tanzania)