On the future of the visual arts field in Flanders
Kunsthal Gent, KIOSK, and S.M.A.K. invite you to a fishbowl conversation to reflect on the future of the visual arts field in Flanders with as many voices as possible. We want to forge new connections, transcending the boundaries of artist practices, collectives, and organizations, and exchange ideas together. How can we strengthen each other? How do we build bridges? How do we ensure polyphony? And how can artists continuously develop their practice?
The visual arts field consists of a broad mix of artists, organizations, collectives, and institutions. This diversity is a great strength, but it also leads to fragmentation and sometimes slow responses to challenges. The past few years have made it clear that there is a need for stronger connection and collaboration.
We will delve deeper into this together during a fishbowl conversation. This is a working method where a small inner circle of 3 to 5 people discusses, while the large outer circle listens. Listeners can actively participate by physically taking a seat in an empty chair in the inner ring, after which another speaker makes way. In terms of content, we start from the experiences of three artists: Bendt Eyckermans, Mark Požlep, and Leen Van Tichelen. We then discuss the challenges and explore together what is possible. In this way, we work step by step towards a sector that is more solidary, resilient, and inclusive.
These conversations are organized by the Flemish Kunsthalles (Kunsthal Gent, Kunsthal Mechelen, Kunsthal Extra City Antwerp, Argos Brussels, and NW Aalst) and are part of a broader process by Kunstenpunt and FARO, culminating in a State of the Union on the future of visual arts in Flanders.
Date: 11.Jun.26
Time: 6 PM
Location: Kunsthal Gent, Lange Steenstraat 14, 9000 Gent
