General Assembly of the Visual Arts | Flanders Arts Institute

Organisations in the visual arts sector, artists and museums collaborate frequently. But how does this collaboration work? How do we build bridges between the various stakeholders? How can we support one another? And how do we forge stronger links between art and society?

FARO and Flanders Arts Institute are organising a General Assembly of the Visual Arts in 2027 and would love to hear your thoughts.

From late May to September, conversations on the future of the visual arts will take place across all provinces in Flanders. We hope to engage with as many voices from the sector as possible. During these conversations, we will build on what already exists and explore together what is possible. In this way, we are working step by step towards a sector that is more united, resilient and inclusive.

Join the conversation

Aalst

Saturday 23 May 3 pm at Ateljee Tevree
Sunday 24 May 3 pm at De Plek
Monday 25 May 3 pm at NW Aalst

Genk

Tuesday 23 June, 2 pm at Jester
Partners: Jester, Z33, C-Mine, Vonk

Mechelen

Tuesday 23 June at 6 pm at Garage
Partners: Kunsthal Mechelen & RADAR

Antwerp

Friday July 3 at 6 pm at Out of Sight
Partners: Extra City Kunsthal, Out of Sight & Lichtekooi

Ghent

Thursday 11 June at 6 pm at Kunsthal Gent
Partners: Kunsthal Gent, S.M.A.K. & KIOSK

Waregem

Friday 4 September at 2 pm at Park Baron Casier
Partners: Be-part, Flanders Arts Institute, NICC

Brussels

Friday 11 September at 10 am at argos
Partners: argos, LevelFive, RendezVous and FAI

Speak your mind on September 25

Visual arts organisations, artists and museums collaborate frequently today. But how does this collaboration work? With this first meeting, FARO and Flanders Arts Institute aim to gather insights and share practical experiences regarding the relationship between museums (cultural heritage institutions) and artists or arts organisations (galleries, art centres, festivals, biennials, cultural centres, creative hubs, foundations, etc.).

General Assembly of the Visual Arts 2027

The visual arts sector comprises a diverse mix of artists, organisations, collectives and institutions. Recent years have made it clear that there is a need for stronger connections and collaboration. We want to forge new links across the boundaries of organisations and networks.

The goal is to gain a better understanding of the interconnections between the various organisations and staff members. This also presents an opportunity for the sector to explore the potential of the ‘interstitial space’ between museums on the one hand, and visual arts organisations (both public and private) and artists on the other. Cooperation or exchange between organisations can be established or improved, and policy recommendations can also be formulated on this basis.

The project will begin in May 2026 and is due to be completed in the spring of 2027.

More information

The General Assembly on the future of the visual arts (and museums with a visual arts programme) is being organised at the request of Minister for Culture Caroline Gennez. It forms part of the policy process concerning the reform of the Flemish Government’s museums, and the policy priority of achieving greater coordination and cooperation between the fields of cultural heritage and the visual arts. On 22 May 2026, the Flemish Government approved these plans.

Questions?

Do you have any questions or would you like more information? Please contact our colleague Lissa.