The Prince Claus Fund, platform for intercultural exchange, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. Eleven people from the extensive network of the Fund explain why culture is not a luxury. Also, a speech on the topic of Culture and Development by Prince Claus, the inspirator of the Fund, is included in this special edition of the Power of Culture.

Els van der Plas, director Prince Claus Fund

"Being aware and proud of your culture is an excellent starting point for development."

"Art is a way of bringing people together."

"Culture includes a society’s history and traditions, its past and therefore its future."

"Architecture has a responsibility, in the sense that it defines the human habitat."

"Books can literally 'change the world'."

"We are like a guerilla movement that is keen to harass Latin America with architectural ideas."

"The Biboki women are treated with more respect because of what they contribute to the community."

"Artists are taking an active part in the current changes."

"Knowing one’s culture is knowing one’s self."

"Culture is crucial for the mental survival of people struck by disaster."

"Culture is a kind of food, and we are feeding the people."

"The building of national culture is both a legitimate goal of development and may even be a prerequisite for material progress."