Back to My Roots: Exploring West Flanders' Best Summer Art Festivals
Back to My Roots: A West Flemish Adventure…
After a 20-year world tour of places to live—Bruges, Ghent, Brussels, Aalst, New York, Berlin, Eindhoven, Rome, and back to Bruges—I still remain that true West Fleming. It’s high time to give my birthplace its well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
(Een Nederlandstalige versie van deze blogpost kan je terugvinden bij Ben Er Weg Van!)
You might not expect it, but with over 10 million visitors in 2023, it’s clear that the secret of this region has long been discovered. Sorry, Antwerp, but we have the most tourists! ;p
There’s just so much to do in West Flanders. My stunning hometown of Bruges, which looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale, is of course a must-see. But the Belgian coast also has a lot of surprises in store: the nostalgic wacky bikes in Blankenberge, the impressive nature reserves (like the mighty Zwin), Ensor in Ostend, the shrimp fishermen in Nieuwpoort (UNESCO World Heritage!)… you get the idea—never a dull moment in West Flanders! ;)
And that’s not even mentioning the summer festivals! West Flanders turns into one big, lively art celebration during the warm months. This year is extra festive thanks to the Triennial year, which means there’s even more to experience than usual. Art lovers, culture vultures, and social butterflies can all find something special and unique for their day trips here.
Seven Summer Art Festivals in West Flanders:
Bruges - Triennial Bruges
You can visit this festival until September 1st.
Free Entrance
Triennial Bruges transforms the historic city into an open-air museum full of contemporary art. International artists create unique installations that engage in dialogue with Bruges’ rich heritage. It’s a perfect blend of old and new, where every corner of the city offers surprises for art enthusiasts.
The Bruges Triennial is of course also the perfect moment to capture Bruges in a different way on photo and/or to be portrayed in a unique way, during a Bruges Photo Shoot Walk. ❤️
Bruges - Street Art Festival The Bridges
Open year Round
Free Entrance
Street Art Festival The Bridges brings street art to the streets and bridges of Bruges, featuring impressive murals by both local and international artists. The festival puts Bruges on the map as a modern art city and offers a fresh, urban vibe amidst the historic setting. This year, the artworks are being expanded for the third year in a row, with new pieces appearing in new locations in and around Bruges. A great art route to discover (or rediscover) Bruges in a new way and a must-see for anyone who loves street art.
P.S. Some of the murals can also be included in the route of a Bruges Photo Shoot Walk.
Bruges Ommeland - Amare Art Route
You can visit this festival until September 15th.
Ticket = 19 euro
The Amare Art Route runs through the Bruges Ommeland and the picturesque town of Damme. The route takes you on a journey of discovery along various outdoor locations, where art and nature blend seamlessly. You can view the artworks on foot or by bike, or even from the water with a boat trip on ‘De Lamme Goedzak’. For this art festival, you need to purchase a ticket, with one euro from each ticket going to the “Art for All” foundation. A relaxing and inspiring way to experience the art and landscape of West Flanders.
Lissewege - Sculptures in the White Village
You can visit this festival until September 15th.
Free Entrance
In the picturesque Lissewege, also known as the ‘White Village,’ an annual sculpture route takes place—this year marks the 30th edition. This open-air exhibition showcases works by contemporary sculptors that perfectly complement the charming white houses and rural scenery. An idyllic day out for art and nature lovers.
Do you have time left? Then you can walk or cycle a little further to the nearby Zwankendamme, where you can visit four murals of the Street Art Festival - The Bridges.
Watou - Watou Arts Festival
You can visit this festival until September 1st.
Ticket = 20 euro
The Watou Arts Festival is a unique event that brings together art, poetry, and literature in the charming village of Watou, near the French border. Installations and exhibitions are spread across various locations, from barns to chapels, allowing visitors to experience art in an intimate and narrative way. This festival is a true gem in the Flemish art world.
At the start of the festival, I had the chance to photograph several artists and listen to the stories behind their work. A more detailed blogpost of the Watou Arts Festival and the artists themselves can be found on this blog.
Kortrijk - Triennial Kortrijk
You can visit this festival until October 6th.
Pay what you can
Triennial Kortrijk is centered around the theme of 'design' and turns the city into a showcase of innovative and creative installations. The festival invites leading designers and artists to share their visions through installations that reinvent the city. A fascinating event for anyone interested in the future of design and architecture.
Belgian Coast - Triennial Beaufort
You can visit this festival until November 3rd.
Free Entrance
Beaufort brings art to the Belgian coastline with impressive sculptures and installations found both on the beach and in the dunes. The festival stretches across various coastal towns and offers a unique experience where art and the sea come together. Perfect for an artistic beach walk full of surprises.
At each edition, a number of works are purchased by the coastal municipalities and given a permanent place, so you can visit and admire them at any time. There are now more than 40 such works, so even after November 3, you can still head to the Belgian coast to admire these impressive permanent Beaufort works.
Wishing you a wonderful and artistic summer!
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