© Paul Casaer
FLACC
Workplace for visual artists
FLACC is a non-profit association, recognised and subsidised by the national, regional and local authorities. The organisation is housed in the ‘Casino Modern’, a building that was once used by the mining industry in the Waterschei district of Genk. The complex was recently renovated and now contains several workshops, a presentation hall and a theatre.
As a workplace for visual artists, FLACC creates the conceptual, organisational and technical conditions for realising unique artist projects. Every year, FLACC selects fifteen artists – from Belgium and abroad, both young and experienced – to set up a new project. FLACC also hosts guest projects, which is a formula that enables other artists to work in Genk on the basis of a project proposal. The workshops and facilities are also often rented out.
These facilities and workshops make up only one of the range of instruments that FLACC offers to artists. The workplace also provides them with intramural and extramural guidance on developing their work and assistance with practical matters, for which it relies on an international network of experts. There are also residence opportunities and close contacts with trade and industry.
At regular intervals, FLACC presents the creations realised in the workplace to the public. This is done by means of exhibitions of ongoing or completed projects, public workshops, lectures, and an annual ‘open day’ that coincides with the publication of a yearbook that describes, documents and reflects on all the artist projects of the past year. As a workplace for visual artists, the organisation sets up flexible forms of cooperation with as many partners as possible. For example, FLACC is currently discussing the possibilities of engaging in complementary activities with other workplaces. There are already agreements with museums, galleries and cultural centres to ensure that the works created in FLACC find their way to a broader public.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES
FLACC’s own activities
Every year, FLACC invites no more than fifteen artists to work on its premises for an agreed length of time. The selection is done on the basis of artistic criteria, in consultation with an external advisory committee. The ways in which artists challenge the notion of ‘workplace’ and redefine it through the qualities of their work also play a role. In each annual selection, FLACC aims to strike a balance between national and international artists, between beginners and artists with experience, and between autonomous art and/or research projects and projects that deal in more concrete terms with the historical, geographical or social context of the workplace. In consultation with each artist, a specific project is set up, tailored to the organisation and with a definite budget and timing.
Hosted activities
Artists who are not selected can still work at FLACC if their project proposal is accepted. Each proposal must contain a clear description of the project, a work plan, budget and timing, as well as a brief resume and extra documentation. On the basis of the artistic qualities of the artist’s project, the advisory committee then decides whether the proposal is feasible. A production budget and accommodation may be granted as well. FLACC expects artists to be as autonomous as possible in the realisation of their project.
Renting facilities
The workshops and facilities of FLACC are also rented out to artists or organisations. Bookings are accepted over the telephone. The rent charged for use of the workshop and attendant facilities is agreed in advance.
Workshops, infrastructure and know-how
FLACC has metal and woodworking workshops with professional equipment, a digital studio, and a foundry with a furnace and kilns for ceramics, bronze and glass applications. The staff is knowledgeable about the production possibilities of nearby workplaces and collaborates with those workplaces and with schools and companies to give the artists the best possible support and assistance. Furthermore, FLACC’s extensive work space and ample room for presentation are geared to meet the various needs of contemporary artists and the many different forms of their artistic production. In addition to the workshops and equipment, each artist can rely on two workshop masters for technical support. In consultation, external experts can also be called in to give technical assistance or artistic advice. An overview of all the facilities can be found here.
Return
Works that were realised in the workplace or with the support of FLACC bear the FLACC label in captions, credits and publications when they are presented in-house or to the outside world. In consultation with the artists, the results of their work period at FLACC are shown to the public. A selection of works can also be exhibited during the annual ‘open day’ and is documented in the yearbook.