Debate: the future of cultural distribution in Flanders and Brussels
What does the future hold for the dissemination of culture in Flanders? Minister Caroline Gennez’s new Strategic Vision Document on the Arts explicitly aims to place greater emphasis on distribution in rural areas and on broad outreach.
Join the debate with Flanders Arts Institute and Etcetera on Tuesday 26 May at the Beursschouwburg.
Speakers
The discussion will be moderated by Ciska Hoet, with
- Wouter Hillaert, cultural journalist and theatre critic
- Rolf Quaghebeur, cultural advisor to Minister Caroline Gennez
- Sophie Van Weert, film and theatre programmer at CC Strombeek
- Kristien De Proost, actrice
Programme
Cultural centres were once built to bring art to every municipality. Since the abolition of the earmarked Flemish cultural budgets for cities and municipalities, that model has fallen into decline: the former cultural centres are at the mercy of local authorities with shrinking budgets and a growing drive to cut costs; performance fees are becoming unaffordable, and touring programmes are falling apart. Programming is forced to play it safe, with the result that the scope for artistic risk and new voices is evaporating.
Meanwhile, many local cultural centres are already seeking a new narrative for themselves, and in doing so they are also taking into account the needs of local social, cultural and artistic stakeholders. They are building an approach that takes responsibility, produces and makes its own choices to build an audience. How does this relate to the needs of Flemish-subsidised work? Are they encroaching too much on the territory of the arts centres, and how financially realistic are these new models?
If the work of Flemish-subsidised creators can no longer reach local audiences, that is a loss for all parties: the venues themselves, the public, the creators and their work. Do we dare to rethink the distribution model, with a renewed contract between Flanders and the cities and municipalities?
When and where
26 May 2026, from 10am until 12.30pm in Beursschouwburg (Golden space).
The conversation will be in Dutch.
Register now
Register via the button at the top right.
More information
Do you have questions about this event? Contact our collegue Julia.
This event is in collaboration with Etcetera.
Interested in more? In the afternoon Plat(e)form(e) takes place, an international visitors programme for the performing arts. More information and registrations here.
Image: Elodie Meunier
