Dutch photographer and filmmaker Anton Corbijn was awarded the prestigious Prince Bernhard Culture Fund award on Monday evening and promptly used the prize money of €75,000 to set up a fund of his own to support cultural projects in The Hague.

Not only would he benefit personally because he lived in The Hague but the plan ‘is a way of giving the finger to the ostrich arts policy pursued by this government which is also housed in The Hague,’ Corbijn said.
The photographer was referring to the government’s hefty cuts in spending on the arts and culture.

Career

The 56-year-old Corbijn made his name as a photographer and music video director before launching his filmmaking career with the Ian Curtis biopic Control and The American starring George Clooney.
The prize was presented in Amsterdam by princess Máxima and Bono and Chris Martin were on hand to serenade the winner. Corbijn has worked with both U2 and Coldplay.
‘Corbijn is an important image-maker of the popular culture of his generation,’ said the fund.