HONG KONG.- Co-organised by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Asia Week Hong Kong, Dutch Days in Hong Kong announced its 5th anniversary with the theme “Rembrandt as Innovator”.

The Netherlands marks 2019 as the “Year of Rembrandt” to commemorate the 350th year of Rembrandt van Rijn's death. DDHK will pay tribute to the innovativeness of this legendary master of the Dutch Golden Age, by lining up a wide variety of activities including seminars, family days, exhibitions, music and movies, bringing the very essence of Dutch innovation and living in different sectors closer to Hong Kong audience.

A press gathering was held today at the Consulate General, where festival highlights were announced. Ms. Annemieke Ruigrok, Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao, who is pleased to present the 5th edition of the festival, said, “With the overall theme of ‘Rembrandt as Innovator’ this year’s programme contains a number of events which put the spotlight on innovation in different sectors of the Netherlands, such as water management and recycling. Apart from that, cultural events are showing the link with Rembrandt: three young Hong Kong artists have created art inspired by Rembrandt and Dutch musicians will perform music from his time.”

Ms. Candice Lee, Director of AsiaWeek Hong Kong and Co-organiser DDHK, shared, “We strive to make our programmes accessible to all ages and backgrounds, we welcome everyone who is curious to know more about our culture to join us. For families, we have a programme that is exciting for all members of the family. Come and experience a bit of Holland in Hong Kong.”

The press conference was graced by the presence of a significant guest, Ms Lidewij de Koekkoek, Executive Director of the Rembrandt Huis Museum in Amsterdam. Ms. de Koekkoek stated, “Every generation, every time and place again and again finds inspirations in Rembrandt, in his life, his genius and his humanity. It is a great honor to share how Rembrandt still touches and inspires us 350 years after his passing away, throughout the world, from Amsterdam to Hong Kong. The theme of the Dutch Days Hong Kong 2019 – innovation – fits Rembrandt perfectly.”

Dutch Days in Hong Kong 2019 will run until 30 April.