Bruges Contemporary Art and Architecture
Triennial 2015
Bruges as a megapolis
20 May – 18 October 2015
The Concept:
Every year, five million tourists visit Bruges. What if they all decided to stay? What if a small, preserved, historic city should suddenly become a megapolis? This is the premise for the Bruges Contemporary Art and Architecture Triennial 2015.
This scenario opens up a plethora of possibilities and challenges. Would a small city be capable of coping with the dynamics of a metropolis? And conversely: could a city on a human scale contribute to a new, better form of urbanism?
Eighteen international artists went to work on this idea. They created new works that can be viewed on an art trail through the centre of Bruges. The artists pose questions and reflect on the future and potential of the city, of urbanisation, citizenship, lifestyle, community, economics, energy, space, sound and the values that guide us.
Three indoor exhibitions illustrate the concept of ‘city’ – in visions, dreams and real-life images – as a living, growing and evolving organism.
Explore the streets and canals of the city, unleash your imagination and discover a side of Bruges that you never knew existed.
The Artistis:
Eighteen international artists create new work for the centre of Bruges. The theme: ‘What would happen if the 5 million visitors who come to Bruges every year should suddenly decide to stay?’ An artistic injection of urban dynamics into a small, historic city.
The Venues:
Three indoor exhibitions delve deeper into ‘the city’ and various aspects of urbanisation. The exhibitions display visionary plans for urban renewal, actual cities in a state of construction and demolition, scale models and designs for imaginary cities. The concept of the city is one that invokes dreams and contemplation.