New Fund for Emergency Aid to Culture: Cultural Emergency Response

The Cultural Emergency Response (CER) is a joint initiative established in September 2003 in the Netherlands by the Prince Claus Fund and the International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS). The CER's aim is to provide emergency aid where cultural heritage if threatened by war or natural disaster. The article describes a number of instances where aid has been provided: the refurbishment of the reading room of the Central Library of the University of Baghdad; the collection and digitization of documents relating to the Citdel of Bam in Iran, devastated by the earthquake of 26 December 2003; and stabilizing and restoring the mosque of Mestassa in Al Hoceima, Morocco, damaged by the earthquake of 24 February 2004. The terms of reference, structure, funding and priorities of the CER are outlined. The initiative reflects the belief of the Prince Claus Fund that culture is a basic human need. It has been successful in establishing an international network of people and organizations able to assess, advise and assist regarding matters of culture and development, strengthening its role as an ‘Amnesty International for Culture’.