On October 11, 2023, Pieter Jan Struik passed away completely unexpectedly. For many years he was closely involved in all kinds of (youth) activities of Oranjewoud Festival as an employee of Ateliers Majeur and later as combination functionary of the municipality of Heerenveen. This started with the first children's workshops in 't Proevertje as part of De Proeftuin, then De Kinderproeftuin, the Onbeperkt Ensemble for people with a mental disability up to and including Het Festival als Klaslokaal for school children. We remember Pieter Jan as a very inspired person with a warm heart for everything to do with children and cultural education. With him we could spar about exciting projects we came up with for the children. He was also the one who brought the festival into contact with elementary school.
As colleagues and peers, we feel incredible gratitude for his shared inspiration and dedication. As a festival, we are indebted to him for his mission to bring children and culture together. Pieter Jan leaves a hole that will be difficult to fill. We cherish fond memories of his time and wish his loved ones strength in their grief.
