Netherlands

Rikus Draijer, Vice President, believes that folk art builds Bridges of understanding between nations and peoples.  “Through the exchange of folk art groups, the potential for understanding, friendship, respect and peace are all increased among the world’s peoples.”  This belief drew Rikus to the world of folk art.

Shortly after completing university studies in the field of Education, Rikus and his wife, Lineke, were asked to host members of a folk dance group in their home.  The group had come to PArticipate in the International Folk Arts Festival “Op Roakeldais” in Warfuum, Netherlands, where the couple were living. The experience was so rewarding that within a year Rikus and Lineke had joined the folklore group "De Grunneger  Daansers."  They began dancing and performing traditional Dutch folk dances, traveling abroad to international folk art festivals throughout Europe.  Rikus was soon the Secretary for the group and responsible for arranging its international tours.

Rikus participated in international folkloric events over the next 15 years and eventually became a member of the festival organizing committee in Warfuum.  Through his contact with other festival organizers, he learned there was a networking organization for festival organizers called IOV.  Rikus attended an IOV meeting that year and joined.

Rikus was first elected to serve on the Executive Board of IOV in 1995 and named Chair of the IOV Festival Commission.  During its first meeting, the commission decided a festival calendar should be compiled and published.  The first edition was printed in 1995, with an updated edition each year since.  In 1983, Rikus founded the IOV Netherlands Section, which is now one of the largest and most active sections under the IOV name.

Rikus recently retired as a high school principal and is now devoting more time than ever to IOV.  He was elected Vice President of IOV in May, 2007.  In acknowledgement of his contributions to his country and community, Rikus was knighted into the Order of Oranje Nassau (The House of the Queen), received the Silver Carnation of the Prince Bernhard Cultural Fund (2000) and was IOV’s Honorary Member in 2001 and 2003.