The Prince Claus Fund, named after the deceased husband of HM Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands, was instituted in 1996. It grants annually awards to artists, thinkers and cultural organisations in Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean for exceptional achievements in the areas of culture and development. The outstanding quality of a laureate's work is an essential condition for an award; the most important consideration when granting an award is the work's positive effect on a wider cultural or social field. The Prince Claus Fund interprets culture in a broad sense to encompass all kinds of artistic and intellectual disciplines along with science, media and education. It is a platform for intercultural exchange. Since the establishment of the Prince Claus Award in 1996, six Indians have been bestowed with this award. The first time in 1998, Dr. Jyotindra Jain, the then Director of the Crafts Museum in New Delhi, and presently Professor at the JNU, and the film maker Mr. Kumar Shahani from Mumbai were conferred with the honour. The second time in 2000, three Indians were awarded, namely, Mr. Komal Kothari (Scholar on Indian traditions); the late Mr. Bhupen Khakhar (internationally renowned painter); and the magazine Communalism Combat from Mumbai, represented by its journalists Ms. Teesta Setalvad and Mr. Javed Anand. In the year 2003, a prominent noted tribal language specialist and literary critic Dr. G. N. Devy was awarded. 

These awards conferred to so many Indians show the importance the Prince Claus Fund of The Netherlands attaches to Indian cultural expressions in their various forms. The award also carries with it a considerable financial grant.

More information:  Prins Claus Fonds (Prince Claus Fund)