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The Project

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In the year 2000 at the occassion of 400 year historical relations between Holland and Japan the intercultural 12xHolland project has been initiated. With this project, twelve Dutch artists and specialists have been living at the southern island of Hirado for one month during the period of July 1st and October 31st. (In Hirado, the Dutch founded their first VOC-factory in Japan in 1609). Around the twelve Dutch 12xHolland participators a total of 182 events have been organized, including concerts, expositions, school visits, and workshops. Thanks to the enormeous success of 12xHolland the projects has been extended to 2001.

For the 12xHolland edition 2001, the city of Hirado has invited four Dutch artists to stay and live in Hirado for one month somewhere between September 1st and November 4th. This year a painter, dancer, composer and actor have been selected. Also this year we expect many activities through 12xHolland edition 2001, like workshops, expositions, school visits, and other ways to exchange with the local people of Hirado. By displaying contemporary Holland in a creative ambiance, 12xHolland is striving to stimulate the interaction between Holland and Japan and to contribute to the international understanding.