Belgium is Happening stands for archiving, visualization, analysis and practice-oriented research. The web archive www.belgiumishappening.net tries to collect as much data as possible about performative culture in Belgium. Students from both the University of Antwerp (Linguistics and Literature) and AP Hogeschool (Royal Academy of Fine Arts) are involved in the aspect of archiving. This web archive currently comprises approximately 2300 performative events from the period 1950-1990, and more than 100 interviews with relevant artists and witnesses.
The expertise that is available at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts regarding artist archives and visualization (the researchgroup ArchiVolt), in combination with the expertise of the Experimental Media Group of Sint Lucas Antwerp, provides the necessary tools to unlock the network of post-war performative culture.
The aim is to conduct research through both re-enactments and new performances into the specificity of the medium and its contemporary relevance. A dialogue will be established between established artists, theorists and students, creating a platform for exchanging ideas.
Researcher: Stefan Wouters
Promoters: Luk Van de Dries (UA) & Thomas Crombez (KAA)