€250,000 for ‘breakthrough’ artists
Culture minister Sven Gatz has announced an extra budget of €250,000 to help artists on the verge of an international breakthrough
One final push
“It’s important to support our artists at the moment where they are about to break through internationally,” Gatz said. Along with the quarter-million budget, he plans to direct existing residency subsidies towards Flemish artists’ international ambitions.
This year’s subsidies for presentations overseas – stage productions, readings and exhibitions, for example – will be increased from €590,000 to €740,000. The participation in the Biennale this year involved a budget of €360,000, not counting the €150,000 spent on renovation of the Belgian Pavilion.
Flemish photographer Dirk Braeckman’ work is the focus of the Belgian Pavilion this year, though he is one artist who will not be benefit from the new breakthrough subsidies, according to VRT. His international career is already well under way.
Photo, from left: Photographer Dirk Braeckman, curator Eva Wittocx and culture minister Sven Gatz at the opening of the Belgian Pavilion at the 57th International Art Exhibition in Venice
©Patrick Leemans/BELGA
Check back with Flanders Today next week for our interview with Dirk Braeckman about his exhibition of dark and moody photographs at the Venice Biennale
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