At the end of August, Quartier Kortrijk, a new art initiative—will host its first art weekend in the historic city of Kortrijk.
Organised by founders Sis Pillen and Nicolaes Devriendt, the project introduces a kunstroute (art route) that guides visitors through seven diverse locations, ranging from private townhouses, a ruined monastery, a raw industrial site and established venues like BK6. Over the course of four days, thirteen artists exhibit their work in this unusual and ambitious format.
The idea behind Quartier Kortrijk is simple yet radical, the venue is not a neutral backdrop but an active part of the artistic dialogue. As one of the founders explained: "Art and space influence each other.. a rough, raw site doesn't scare us, the art shapes the space and vice versa."
This approach creates a rhythm of surprise across the city, where each stop on the route offers a new way of experiencing art. By hosting exhibitions in private and atypical spaces, the initiative gives collectors and enthusiasts a rare, personal encounter with art.
The contrast between artworks and unconventional venues sparks fresh visual and conceptual connections. The participation of internationally recognized artists like Magnum photographer Bieke Depoorter and painter Emma Hepburn Ferrer underscores that this local initiative has global appeal.
Quartier Kortrijk is more then an art weekend, it hints at a new model for cultural engagement:
Redefining Space as Curator - The environment becomes an active participant, shaping the impression of each artwork.
Democratizing Access - Informal and raw spaces lower barriers for those who might feel excluded from traditional galleries and other cultural venues.
Merging Local and Global - By combining regional talent with international names, the initiative creates dialogue across borders.
Fostering Direct Engagement - The intimate scale encourages personal encounters between artists, collectors and audiences.
A Blueprint for the Future ?
With its first edition, Quartier Kortrijk shows that art does not need to be confined by established institutions. By weaving together private homes and industrial shells it opens up new ways of engaging with creativity - exclusive yet welcoming, experimental yet deeply human.
If the weekend is a sign of what's to come, Quartier Kortrijk may well be shaping one of the most innovative gallery models of the decade.
Participating artists: Nathalie Vanheule, Athos Burez, Bieke Depoorter, Emma Hepburn Ferrer, Charlotte De Cock, Pieter-Jan Martin, Steven de Ketele, Nele Van Canneyt, Alessandra Ruyten, Jonas Vansteenkiste, Eva Pannecoucke, Dries Depoorter and Maen Florin
Exhibition date: August 28 - 31 Kortrijk