Strengthening Export or Reshaping our Collaborations? 

A dialogue on the internationalisation of the Flemish performing arts

IETM - International Network for Contemporary Performing Arts, together with KVS, Brussels’ Flemish city theatre and with key contributions from IDEA Consult, invited stakeholders in Brussels and beyond to join a discussion on internationalisation of the Flemish performing arts.

In recent years, IETM has -  alongside IDEA Consult and other partners - put emphasis on identifying 21st century trends and emerging models in transnational collaboration in the performing arts. The accumulation of these research activities has identified reoccurring themes recognisable both across Europe and internationally.

KVS has a long record of building international relations as well as inviting international artists to its stages and residency spaces. As the festival centre of the Kunstenfestivaldesarts 2024, the theatre decided to host and contribute towards important discussions which affect our entire sector.  

Since the 1980s, generations of Flemish performing artists have left an indelible mark on prestigious global stages, thanks to an extensive network of transnational co-productions and presentations.

However, this model faces mounting pressure - shrinking budgets, fierce competition, changing frames of reference and shorter performance runs puts strain on the entire international framework which supports the Flemish performing arts. Is this the end of the Flemish wave - or the dawn of a new one?

The sector grapples with a dilemma. On one hand, there’s a strong demand for export support to remain competitive globally. On the other hand, we urgently need fresh working models grounded in solidarity, sustainability and inclusivity. How can our sector adapt? And which question should we pose to Flemish international cultural policy: to strengthen our export position or shape tomorrow’s collaborations?

On Wednesday 29 May from 10:00 to 12:00 CEST in the  KVS BOL, we discussed these questions and more at a sector dialogue, hosted by IETM and KVS and in collaboration with IDEA Consult. A keynote will be delivered by Joris Janssens and Inez Boogaarts (IDEA Consult), who carried out a 'Field Study on International Cultural Policy' for the Department of Culture, Youth and Media of the Flemish Community (available in Flemish and in English).

Welcome words by Michael De Cock, Artistic Director KVS and Ása Richardsdóttir, IETM Secretary General 
Speakers: Joris Janssens and Inez Boogaarts, IDEA Consult
Moderator Ása Richardsdóttir, IETM Secretary General  

IETM would like to thank its dissemination partners Kunstenpunt, OKO Overleg kunstenorganisaties and Kunstenfestivaldesarts.