Concise.pdf - Brugge Plus

It is clear that first and foremost art and
culture are about artists and their work.
Literally hundreds of artists contributed to
Bruges and BRUGGE 2002. They came
from all over the world, but most came
from Belgium. If this cultural year achieved
a high quality, this also shows the high
quality of artists we had and still have in
our country. Our thanks and appreciation
go firstly to them.
© JEROEN DALED
It is not widely known, or people are not
too quick to realise it: art and culture are
amongst the most labour-intensive sectors.
We also experienced this personally. A
great many people collaborated on the success
of the Cultural Capital. Within the
organisation BRUGGE 2002 vzw we employed
the equivalent of 119.3 full-time
units on an annual basis, not to mention
the volunteers. And that is without the literally
hundreds of other people who
worked for our cultural, commercial and
communication partners. They also helped
make BRUGGE 2002 a success.
Art circuit De Slang, as part of Octopus
© PETER JONCKHEERE
Bruges after 2002
Perhaps the nicest thing about the whole of BRUGGE 2002 was that it quickly became
clear that the project was supported by many: many cultural partners, many supporting
partners, many authorities, many sponsors, many spectators, etc.
And on top of all this we must not forget that there was a City Council that wanted a
Cultural Capital, and got one. A mayor and aldermen who believed that such a project
was not only possible, but was also necessary and that it would benefit Bruges.
This brings us to the unavoidable question of what the long-term effect of BRUGGE
2002 will be. The one question that is always asked – and rightly so, although obviously
you can only give an answer over several years. That too is gradually become an
empty, standalone quote.
Or you have to consciously do something to give the long term real chances. This is
what we tried to do in Bruges. Programmes that were begun in 2002 are being
repeated, will come back regularly or have acquired a permanent place in the city’s
cultural arena. Naturally there are the restorations and new building projects that will
continue to round out the city. And there is the cultural events policy that Bruges
wants to continue. This is why the organisation BRUGGE 2002 vzw will continue to
operate under the name “Brugge Plus” to implement this policy.
But the main thing to remain is perhaps the enthusiasm of the residents of Bruges
to be able to participate in contemporary cultural expressions, and the renewed interest
of the many visitors in rediscovering the city.
How long all this will last depends on the policy, cultural partners and public together.
In the meantime, we are looking ahead. Unquestionably!
But now we wish to express the great pleasure we enjoyed working for BRUGGE 2002.
Hugo De Greef
Intendant of BRUGGE 2002