The comment comes from the WAK "godmother", Annabelle Van Nieuwenhuyse, a TV presenter who is also a keen amateur photographer and singer. The event was launched last week by singer Mira, and runs until Heritage Day (see p11) with which it will share some activities. The week is being financed by the Flemish government with €6.65 million.

"Amateur arts is a thriving sector in Flanders," explained culture minister Joke Schauvliege. A study from 2009 showed that "one in three people are involved in some amateur artistic activity on a weekly basis. WAK is a recognition of the work of those amateur artists, to make it more visible and more accessible."

The Flemish model, meanwhile, has caught the attention of amateur artists in Scotland and the Netherlands, who now plan similar events later in May. "The fact that the WAK has become an export product and gained an international following just shows the strength of the idea and its quality," Schauvliege said. www.wak.be