On Wednesday, June 22, our treasurer Chris de Jong has passed away. Unexpectedly, on the terrace of his beloved Verhalenhuis Belvédère in Rotterdam.

Chris joined the board of Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen four years ago. He was open, full of energy and helpful. Someone who was enthusiastic about new plans and who helped others in need with concrete deeds.

He was co-founder and business leader of the Verhalenhuis. Furthermore, Chris was engaged in, among others, Kunstinstituut Melly (formerly Witte de With), De Ateliers Amsterdam, Fort Asperen, Studio Peer / Theater Peeriscoop in Gorinchem, Poppentheater Damiet van Dalsum in Dordrecht, and the Stichting Leerwerkbedrijf Nieuwe Hollandse Waterlinie in Geldermalsen. He was also involved at the start of the restoration and renovation of the Kleine Komedie and Felix Meritis Amsterdam, and of IFFR, the International Film Festival Rotterdam.

Last year in Gorinchem, Chris was awarded Ridder in de Orde van Oranje-Nassau, for his many achievements in the field of cultural finance throughout the country.

Goodbye dear Chris, rest in peace…

On behalf of the board, management and the entire team of Kunstfort bij Vijfhuizen,

Jan Hoekema, chairman
Rabiaâ Benlahbib, director