Do you work professionally in the arts as an artist, performer or in another job? These supporting organisations within the arts are there for you:
Want to orient yourself in the field, looking for advice on how the field works, want to work internationally but don’t know where to start? Is the Arts Decree still unclear to you? Looking to contact other people working in the arts? Then Flanders Arts Institute is for you!
We have a wealth of information. At our online advice link you’ll find tips for developing an artistic practice, or on how to introduce best practices in your organisation. You can also ask your questions at advies@kunsten.be or at our virtual morning coffees.
We have a database with an overview of the arts in Flanders.
We continuously conduct research into the arts field, elaborate trajectories for development and innovation, facilitate contacts, ensure the exchange of knowledge, and promote the international arts in Flanders. You will find our mission and vision here.
Have a question about business, legal or financial topics? Detailed questions about your budget, about how to pay people, about setting up a non-profit or other legal entity? Want coaching regarding your business plan?
Then Cultuurloket is for you! They work for the broad cultural sector and focus on professionalisation, sustainable entrepreneurship and supplementary financing.
Complete this contact form to make an appointment with Cultuurloket.
VI.BE is the support centre for the non-classical music sector, from amateurs to professionals.
Visit the advice page or send an email to advies@vi.be!
At this link you’ll find the VAi advice page with advice on research, archive management and subsidies.
On this pageCircuscentrum collects all information for professionals from the sector (artists, teachers) or professionals who come into contact with the circus (programmers, organisers, cities & municipalities).
The FAF supports the independent professional audiovisual and game sector
Literature Flanders invests in the literature sector, from author to reader.
The Performing Arts Social Fund is the training and development fund of the professional performing arts and music sector. They focus on quality careers and a strong organisational policy.
They organise training courses and work on themes such as safety and well-being (inappropriate workplace behaviour, stress…), career guidance, inclusion and intersectionality, digital transformation.
Other art and culture organisations
Werk je wel inWorking in the cultural sector, but not in the arts? Or are you active in the arts, but more as an amateur than as a professional? Then these organisations are interesting for you!
FARO is happy to help with almost all aspects of cultural heritage operations
OP/TIL stimulates culture in all directions. It connects players from the broad cultural sector across the boundaries of municipalities, sectors and disciplines.
Socius is the support centre for socio-cultural work. They are there for all civil socio-cultural organisations, initiatives and the people who are committed to them.
Demos is a team of nomadic knowledge workers. They follow social developments that shape the culture, youth work and the sports sector, and work towards equality and participation. Demos stands for culture, youth work and sports that drive social change and build a more open, inclusive and democratic society.
Pulse believes that culture can be an engine for the transition to a socially just and sustainable society. It connects some 1000 organisations and individuals from the culture, youth and media sector who are experimenting with sustainable alternatives to our current social model.
Cultuurconnect focuses on digital innovation in art and culture, ensuring their relevance into the future. It bridges the gap between local cultural centres, libraries, governments, technology players and artistic initiatives.
Support of knowledge and innovation: edith.leblanc@cultuurconnect.be
Support of digital infrastructure: evi.gillard@cultuurconnect.be
There are amateur umbrella organisations for those who do not work professionally in the arts, but are still looking for support and connections. You’ll find them here.
Advocacy groups
Looking for someone to defend your interests as an arts organisation, artist or art professional?
oKo is the advocacy, employers’ federation and network organisation of more than 240 professional arts organisations in Flanders and Brussels.
Professional organisations and platforms of artists from Flanders and Brussels join forces in the Artiestencoalitie. The Artiestencoalitie aims to be a point of contact for and promote the interests of individual artists and art workers from all disciplines.
As an employee (permanent or temporary) or artist with artist status, you can also join trade unions. There are three: ACV-Puls, ABVV (see ACOD Cultuur) and ACLVB (here or here).
And there are more! Be sure to consult your support centre to know who defends the interests of your sector or discipline.
Read more about…..”First aid” support when the going gets tough.
Read more about…..”First aid” support when the going gets tough.
Support when the going gets tough… You’re not alone, but sometimes you’re your own worst enemy: terrified of failure? Do you sometimes ask yourself what the hell you’re doing? Afraid to take breaks, or constantly looking for excuses not to continue working? Comparing yourself to the others, and does it seem like the others are far ahead? For what it’s worth: it’s all part of the job.
