The Nadezhda Foundation is founded by Hennie Konings and is being directed by him to this day. The objectives of the Nadezhda Foundation are:
To
familiarize and to popularize the Russian and Ukrainian folklore.
Since the end of the sixties Hennie Konings extensively
studied Russian folkloric tradition and, since a few years, also that of
the Ukraine. He passes his wide knowledge on during his innumerable courses
and workshops in many countries in Europe, Asia and the USA.
The
spread of Russian and Ukrainian folklore, the advancement of the quality
of its practice, and the organization of – and extending assistance
to – social-cultural activities in this field.
Currently the activities of the Nadezhda Foundation
focus on the cooperation and organization of courses and workshops in the
field of Russian and Ukrainian folkloric dance. Additionally, the foundation
organizes dance holidays to Russia and the Ukraine attended by people from
the Netherlands and other Western European countries. Apart from dancing
lessons and Russian and Ukrainian song workshops, given by renowned local
specialists, the holidays offer a general cultural programme.
Financial
support to local initiatives and activities in the field of performing,
researching or documenting traditional folklore of Russia and the Ukraine.
The economical situation in Russia and the Ukraine
is not very hopeful for the people who practice or research folklore. Therefore,
in the past few years, the foundation financially supported some field expeditions
by students of the faculty of ethnomusicology of the Institute of Culture
in Moscow.
To
extend general humanitarian aid.
The humanitarian aid activities mainly consist of
support to people who are engaged in folklore in one way or the other. The
foundation also sponsors folklore ensembles in Russia and the Ukraine, extends
humanitarian aid to their co-workers and others who are in need of help.
The
foundation also mediates when ensembles from Russia/Ukraine and organizations
in western countries are making contacts.