BRAFA ART Talks

By Hannah Thijs, Head of Collections & Exhibitions

In 2022-2023, Museum Hof van Busleyden in Mechelen underwent a thorough restoration of the exterior of the building. The sixteenth-century city palace was forced to close its doors temporarily and took the opportunity to renew the permanent exhibition. A public survey was used to investigate visitors' experience of the museum and identify areas for improvement. Based on these results, the museum set to work on a renewed permanent display. Head of Collection & Exhibitions at Museum Hof van Busleyden, Hannah Thijs, explains the challenges the museum faced in this project, the choices that were made and the points of attention that guided the new concept and design.

The lecture will trace the development of Paul Delvaux's work throughout his different periods and up to the emergence of his own style. It will be an opportunity to highlight the recurrence of themes dear to the artist and to establish links between the little-known early works and the masterpieces. This itinerary is an invitation to discover both the work and the man, since they are intrinsically linked.

The King Baudouin Foundation has a generous interest in art and heritage, as do major patrons such as Thomas Neirynck. As part of Pasfoundation, a growing number of entrepreneurs are joining forces to purchase and preserve the works of Belgian artists as an exceptional heritage for future generations. In this way, entrepreneurs are acting together as patrons of the arts, and 'giving to safeguard Belgian art' has become a special form of social entrepreneurship. During this Art Talk, Ann Van Laere, notary and president of Pasfoundation, will engage in a dialogue with Mathi Gijbels, an entrepreneur with a passion for art who sees Pasfoundation as building a bridge to sustainable art conservation, whilst simultaneously creating a link with the business world. The president, Ann Van Laere, will also describe the workings of the King Baudouin Foundation, into which ‘the example of Thomas Neirynck’ fits perfectly.  The idea is that heritage can also shine outside museums. A story by and for art-loving entrepreneurs!

Language of the talk: NL
Join us at 4pm at the stand King Baudouin Foundation n°137

In partnership with PASFOUNDATION, Private Art Support

By Annick Schramme, full professor in cultural management and fashion management at the University of Antwerp and Antwerp Management School; Liliana Turoiu - PhD UNArte University; Kim Oosterlinck, full professor of Finance at the Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management (ULB); Anne-Sophie V. Radermecker, Associate Professor (ULB, Department of History, Arts, and Archaeology, Cultural Management). The speakers will be presented by GiannaLia Cogliandro Beyens, Secretary General of the European network on cultural management and policy, ENCATC and Gudrun Heymans, coordinator of the Creative Europe Culture Programme Desk Flanders

This BRAFA talk, organized by ENCATC, the leading European network on cultural management and cultural policy education, in partnerships with the University ULB - Université libre de Bruxelles, the University of Antwerp, the Creative Europe Culture Desk Vlaanderen, and Liliana Turoiu, will explore the exciting topic of public-private collaborations in the visual arts sector. The public will discover how synergies between public institutions (academia, museums, institutes…), private art market stakeholders (collectors, art fairs, dealers…) and artists can contribute to heritage preservation but also drive research innovation and foster creativity. They will discuss recent initiatives, highlighting the benefits but also the challenges of these collaborations in shaping and dynamising the visual arts sector.

Language of the talk: English

By Eric Hemeleers, CEO Eeckman in dialogue with Marc Hemeleers, CEO Eeckman, Michel Draguet, High Commissioner for Federal Heritage, Nicolas Lemmens, Director Nicolas Lemmens Studio and Alain Berenboom, Lawyer

The authenticity of a work of art is a dynamic concept that evolves with time and perceptions. It encompasses both the artist's intention and the impact it has on the world around it. This authenticity begins with the creation of the work, when the artist imprints his or her personal vision and unique expression on the medium they have chosen. It manifests itself through the creative choices made, the technique used and the emotions conveyed by the work. But the process doesn't stop there. It continues through the history of the work, including its documentation, provenance and evidence of its existence and attribution. Authenticity is also closely linked to the interpretation and perception of the work by the public, as each observer may feel and interpret art in a different way. In this round table, we will explore these various aspects of authenticity, calling on experts in the field.

Language of the talk: French
Join us at 4pm at the stand King Baudouin Foundation n°137

In partnership with Eeckman Art & Insurance

A number of questions have arisen regarding the repercussions of Artificial Intelligence in the art world. Amid Faljaoui, the Director of Trends-Tendances and a business columnist at RTBF, will chair an open, no-holds-barred debate about the impact of AI on artists and the artistic field. Creativity vs. Algorithm: Can AI really rival human ingenuity when it comes to art? Are algorithmic creations genuine or mere sophisticated imitations? Copyright in the digital age: How can artistic works be protected in a world in which reproduction and distribution have become commonplace thanks to AI? Redefining Art: Is AI challenging our traditional understanding of Art? The experts brought together by Amid Faljaoui will provide unique answers and perspectives to these burning questions.