The sad news of Ferdinand Dorsman’s death while flying from Amsterdam to New York on the night of 4 to 5 December reached us via the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was 53 years old.

Ferdinand worked for many years in the Department of International Cultural Cooperation of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He served as Head of Press and Cultural Affairs of the Dutch Embassy in Berlin, and since 2009 as General Director of Cultural Affairs USA of the Consulate General of the Netherlands in New York.

Ferdinand Dorsman was a passionate cultural diplomat endowed with a profound understanding of the business at hand. With his open, engaging, and inquisitive personality he motivated and bound together those fortunate enough to be around him. He followed the developments within CODART with particular interest, sharing his knowledge and contacts with great generosity. On several occasions he hosted CODART events in Germany and the United States. He loved his profession and served as a source of inspiration for many.

He will be sorely missed. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends.

For messages to his partner and family:

INMEMORIAM.FDORSMAN@minbuza.nl