MDD Talks #2 - Bestendige Biënnales

The expansionist Biennial model is increasingly coming under pressure. The current pandemic has made considerations of locality and sustainability not only urgent but also inescapable. How do Belgian and Dutch Biennales, Triennials and arts festivals respond to these developments? A conversation with Heidi Ballet (curator of the Beaufort Triennial), Chantal Pattyn (curator of the Watou Arts Festival) and Steven van Teeseling (general director of the Sonsbeek Foundation), moderated by Laurens Otto (curator MDD).

Speakers

Heidi Ballet

Heidi Ballet is the curator of the 2021 Beaufort Triennial as well as of the 2018 edition. Based in Berlin, she is a curator at deSingel in Antwerp. Previous projects include the 2019 Tallinn Photomonth Biennial and the 2017 Lofoten Biennial (LIAF). Beaufort 2021 will take place on the Belgian coast from 27 May to 7 September.

Chantal Pattyn

Chantal Pattyn is the curator of the Watou Arts Festival in 2021 together with Benedicte Goesaert and Peter Verhelst. Pattyn is the broadcast manager of Klara and presenter of the art programme Pompidou. The 40th edition of the Watou Arts Festival will take place from 3 July to 5 September around Poperinge.

Steven van Teeseling

Steven van Teeseling is the general director of the Sonsbeek Foundation and is responsible for the overall strategic, artistic and business management of the Foundation. Previously, van Teeseling was head of innovation and communication at the Mondriaan Fund. The 12th edition of Sonsbeek will take place from 10 April to 21 June in Arnhem and beyond.