Treaty of Utrecht 1713
The Treaty of Utrecht was concluded on 11 April 1713 and marked a critical moment in the history of Europe and Utrecht. The Treaty of Utrecht brought an end to a series of devastating wars that had claimed many millions of lives over a period of two centuries. The balance of power between major nations was re-established in Europe itself and in North and South America. Thus in 1713 Utrecht briefly served as a ‘UN headquarters’. The Treaty of Utrecht is regarded as an important event on the way to European cooperation and conflict management as these exist in the European Union and the United Nations today. During the negotiations, all manner of festivities and cultural events were held, contributing to a spirit of congeniality and to the success of the diplomatic process. According to historians, the peace accord represented “a brilliant, worldwide settlement”. It was the first peace treaty concluded at a global level – in other words, the first treaty for ‘Global Peace’.
Cross border culture
In 1713, art and culture, encounter and dialogue between different cultures made a positive contribution to the realization of a European peace whose impact was felt the world over. The long period of peace that followed led to immense cultural and economic growth in Europe. Today we are picking up the thread of the international role that Utrecht played in 1713. In 2013, Utrecht will once again take centre stage as a platform for culture and a partner and host for Europe. The overarching theme will be the social role of art and culture.
Major tercentennial in honour of the Treaty of Utrecht in 2013
The Vrede van Utrecht Foundation, in conjunction with partners in the Netherlands and Europe, is developing a spectacular programme for 2013. Residents of Utrecht are being involved and challenged to present ideas for the programme.
A special performance of Handel’s Utrecht Te Deum set in the Dom Tower of Utrecht, with delegations from the ‘nations of then’ and a city-wide party on a grand scale will herald the beginning of an extended world-class cultural season in the city and throughout the region. A prominent exhibition hosted by several museums in Utrecht will visualize the historical and modern-day significance of the treaty. Programmes featuring European artists and top acts will run side by side with programmes spotlighting talented youth from Utrecht and community art projects. Art and culture will take the stage at the magnificent historic estates and other unique heritage sites abounding in Utrecht. To sum up, it will be a festival offering top quality, fireworks, public parties and civic dinners.
Investing through culture is investing in the roots of society
Utrecht is in a period of major transition. The region as a whole will soon be home to 1.2 million inhabitants. Its cultural composition is undergoing immense change – particularly in the city of Utrecht itself. In 2013, 50% of Utrecht will be ‘culturally diverse’. Utrecht invests in dialogue and social cohesion in myriad ways. The cultural programmes organized by the Vrede van Utrecht Foundation aim to make an important contribution. For this reason the 2013 celebration will be more than a one-time celebration: it will be a milestone marking fundamental growth. This ambition also translates in turn into the aspiration to become the European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Knowledge and culture
Utrecht in the year 2018 will be a city characterized by knowledge, culture and an innovative economy. Already it is a very powerful urban regional economy. It is noted for its strong creative sector, as well as for a number of knowledge institutes of international repute. Utrecht will deploy knowledge and culture to enhance its prestige in Europe, thereby making it attractive for leading researchers from around the globe, for students, for residents of various cultural orientations and for international businesses. The celebrations in 2013 and 2018 are incentives for making fundamental investments in the society of tomorrow.