Mission
The Vrede van Utrecht – or Treaty of Utrecht/Peace of Utrecht – is the name of a worldwide peace treaty signed in the city of Utrecht in 1713. It is also the name of the foundation that is planning the celebration to commemorate this important event in 2013.
On 11 April 1713, the treaty establishing the Treaty of Utrecht (Vrede van Utrecht) was signed at Utrecht’s city hall. It was an important event in the history of Europe. The Peace of Utrecht brought an end to a series of devastating wars that had claimed many millions of lives over a period of almost two centuries. This was the first time that peace had been achieved through diplomacy and dialogue.
In 1713, Utrecht played host to all the countries that were part of Europe at the time. The city served as a platform and partner for the negotiations that were crucial to the future of Europe. During the negotiations, all manner of festivities and cultural events were held, helping to create a congenial atmosphere and contributing to the success of the diplomatic process.
In 2013, the 300th anniversary of the Treaty of Utrecht will be marked with spectacular celebrations. The Treaty of Utrecht foundation is organizing a cultural programme in cooperation with many organizations. The activities will take place in the city and province of Utrecht. The programme links art and culture with current social themes. The 2013 celebration will mark a milestone in the city and province of Utrecht’s broader ambition: to make fundamental contributions towards a flourishing and internationally-oriented cultural life. The Vrede van Utrecht Foundation is to act as the developer and binding factor in the region. The Foundation works to advance cooperation between the city and the region, between the historic centre and later districts, between the cultural sector, Utrecht’s knowledge institutes and the Utrecht business community and, most of all, between Utrecht and Europe. Next step in the development will be the city becoming European Capital of Culture in 2018.
Board of Directors:
Prof. G.J. Cerfontaine (Chair)
W.P. de Boer (Secretary/Treasurer)
J.G.P. van Bergen
Prof. T.W.A. Camps
Ms P.C. Lodders-Elfferich
Ms Y.C.M.T. van Rooy
Prof. P. Schnabel
Management:
P. de Haan (Managing Director)
Ms P.J.C.H. Remmen (Business Manager)