Davidsfonds
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Davidsfonds is a Catholic organisation in Flanders, Belgium with the purpose of promoting the Flemish culture in the areas of : literature, history and art.
The Davidsfonds was founded in Leuven, Belgium in 1875 and named after canon and professor Jean-Baptist David. Together with the Vermeylenfonds (socialist) and the Willemsfonds (liberal), it promoted the Flemish culture, resulting in a growing feeling of Flemish identity.
In the 20th century, the activities of the Davidfonds, Vermeylenfonds and Willemsfonds reflected a divided society, based upon political ideology. Called "pillarization" (verzuiling), Catholic, socialist, and Liberal interests formed paralalel organizations (political parties, unions, banks, newspapers, cultural, and social circles) to promote their interests. While sometimes leading to wasteful re-duplication the pillars also supported each other (e.g., in labor strikes) when it furthered their own interests.
Anno 2005, the organization has 60.000 members and 575 divisions. It organizes cultural activities and publishes a magazine and books.
