PRESS RELEASE 3 February 2021

All coastal towns to make waves with Beaufort 21

The Province of West and Westtoer ( tourist office) have announced the names of the artists to take part in Beaufort 21. Curator Heidi Ballet selected 21 artists who will produce 21 artworks, including one project for the entire coast. is also joining in this time. “Having all coastal towns and cities involved is an additional asset. Beaufort remains a strong brand. Cultural tourism delivers added value for a destination such as the Belgian coast. The project brings art to the public at large, entirely free of charge and in the unique setting of the Belgian coast”, says council member and Westtoer chairwoman Sabien Lahaye-Battheu. The seventh edition of the Triennial of Contemporary Art by the Sea runs from 27 May until 7 November 2021. For this new edition the organisers have elected to emphasise the special qualities of Beaufort: the seaside setting, the accessibility of the project, its geographical distribution along the coastline and the establishment of a high-quality sculpture park in the long term. Beaufort 21 offers perspective in troublesome times Curator Heidi Ballet: “I am grateful for the opportunity to curate Beaufort for the second time and for the chance to bring a group of interesting international artists to the coast.”

“The theme of Beaufort 21 is akin to that of its predecessor in 2018. A recurring topic in the artworks for this edition is the fact that man is subjected to nature’s will. If the high- rises along the coast sometimes beg the question ‘how did man alter the coast’, then the question is now reversed: ‘how did this coastline change man’. More than a year into this pandemic this seems like a more appropriate perspective”, Heidi Ballet continues.

“The artworks are inspired on local stories collected from both natural and human history. They also emphasise the transience of life; in the first place the transience of man and materials but also the fluctuating interpretation of history. More and more voices are added to a familiar story. These artworks have a similar impact. They activate a collective conscience and offer a new perspective on a familiar local context to make us look at a familiar location with new eyes.”

The artistic selection consists of a mix of Belgian and international artists. New is the project for the coast as a whole: during the summer a musical creation by Ari Benjamin Meyers (US) will be performed in every coastal city. The ten performances are organised in cooperation with ‘Die Verdammte Spielerei’. Westtoer makes a passionate appeal to all amateur ensembles along the coast and in the hinterland to take part in this musical performance. Permanent artworks: Laure Prouvost (FR) – , Els Dietvorst (BE) – - , Goshka Macuga (PL) – Nieuwpoort, Oliver Laric (AT) – - , Rosa Barba (IT) – Oostende, Maen Florin (BE) – De Haan-, Marguerite Humeau (FR) – Blankenberge, Jeremy Deller (UK) – -Heist;

Temporary artworks: Adrián Villar Rojas (AR) – , Nicolás Lamas (PE) – , Michael Rakowitz (US), Heidi Voet (BE), Timur Si-Qin (DE), Maarten Vanden Eynde (BE), Monokino (BE), Rossella Biscotti (IT), Jimmie Durham (US), Raphaela Vogel (DE), Sammy Baloji (DRC) and Nel Aerts (BE). Everyone joins in “The Province of West Flanders is once again throwing its weight behind this unique art project. The public at large can discover the Beaufort Triennial in a Covid-proof manner. Over a longer period of time, visitors can explore the many artworks along the coast in their own bubble. Distribution in time and space is perfectly possible for the Triennial by the Sea” according to council member and Westtoer chairwoman Sabien Lahaye-Battheu. “Everyone is joining in: we are extremely happy that all coastal towns are taking part this time, including Blankenberge. Beaufort is a key initiative in supporting and promoting the tourist image of the entire coastline. The Triennial by the Sea sets itself apart by offering a unique experience: art against the background of the coast and the sea”. Daphné Dumery, mayor of Blankenberge: “The Beaufort team of Westtoer won us over this time through strong artistic concepts. Following lengthy consultations Blankenberge has decided to participate and give the Westtoer initiative its full support”. West Flanders on the international map Stefaan Gheysen, General Manager Westtoer: “Beaufort 21, the Triennial, the Triennial and Art Festival put West Flanders on the international map. Westtoer mainly collaborates with these partners in terms of communication. Every initiative retains its artistic autonomy, now and in the future. In addition to the unique selection of artists in Beaufort 21, the other two Triennials and Art Festival Watou will also contribute to the positive image of Flanders across the globe”.

More details: www.beaufort21.be

Press contact/more info:

Heidi Ballet, curator Beaufort, +49 179 550 62 94 Sabien Lahaye-Battheu, council member and Westtoer chairwoman, 0476 56 49 41