HCA NEWS Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors appointed

Three Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors were appointed and the Dutch Hans Christian Andersen 2005 bicentenary events were presented at a press conference last Sunday, on the Dutch National Storytelling Day, in the Dutch fairytale park Efteling. The Danish Ambassador to Holland, John Bernhard, hosted the event. It was additionally announced at the press conference that HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands has agreed to serve as Honorary Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador.

By Mikkel Stjernberg - H.C. Andersen 2005 - 07 June 2004

The fairytale park in Efteling in Holland was a fitting venue for the appointment of three Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors last Sunday, the Dutch National Storytelling Day.

It was additionally announced at the press conference that HRH Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands has agreed serve as Honorary Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador. However, the Princess was not formally appointed last Sunday. This will take place at a later date.

It was no coincidence that Efterling was the setting for the press conference. The fairytale park is reminiscent of the Holland Hans Christian Andersen knew and which he always rejoiced in visiting.

"That Hans Christian Andersen felt happy and at home in Holland can come as no surprise. In his eyes, Holland was 'Europe's haven'. His dairies describe the land as friendly, clean and forthcoming - a place where he was held in high esteem by King and commoners alike. Here Andersen was met with warmth of heart, which he repaid with his many visits to this garden of Holland," Secretary General of the Hans Christian Andersen 2005 Foundation, Lars Seeberg, said at the press conference.

International exhibition
Following his speech, Lars Seeberg presented the Dutch Hans Christian Andersen 2005 projects, which include theatre performances, educational resources and an international touring exhibition. The exhibition, curated by Odense City Museums, opened at the Efteling Museum Sunday.

Then the Danish Ambassador to Holland, John Bernhard, appointed the three Dutch Hans Christian Andersen Ambassadors.

The Ambassadors are:
Daphne Deckers, model, actress and writer
Freek de Jonge, comedian
Ivo de Wijs, writer and TV host

John Bernhard congratulated them all and presented them with the official 24-carat red and white gold Hans Christian Andersen Ambassador needle and the official Hans Christian Andersen dinner service, designed by Lin Utzon.

Following the presentation, Daphe Deckers and Ivo de Wijs recited excerpts from The Red Shoes by Hans Christian Andersen to great amusement.


At the photo it is from left:
Lone Leth Larsen Deens Cultureel Instituut Benelux, Lars Seeberg, the conferencier of the ceremony, Ivo de Wijs, Daphne Deckers, Danish ambassador to the Netherlands John Bernhard.

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