Gruut

GRUUT seeks to connect artists from different disciplines and support artistic creation. Conceived as a research laboratory, this cultural project offers talks, workshops and other events in Brussels, as well as artist residencies at Château de Gruuthuyse (Oostkamp). The aim is to question the broad spectrum of the creative process and to promote diversity, both within GRUUT’s artist network and in the diversity of their practices. GRUUT organises two residencies a year, during the summer, at Gruuthuyse Castle in Oostkamp (Flanders). Following a call for artists, eight artists from different disciplines are selected to develop a personal project. They’re interested in what the artist wants to explore and innovate in their practice, as well as assuring diversity in the group and the artistic mediums. During the residency, each artist have their own room but can also work in shared common spaces. They are free to find the level of isolation or collectivity they need. Meals mark the pace of the day and bring the group together. Some afternoons and evenings hosts collective activities or discussions, held by the residency coordinators or the residents themselves ; a participant sharing their work, a creative exercice to unlock inspiration, or group discussions to share our process, our struggles and our breakthroughs. In addition to the summer residencies, GRUUT organises also a mini-residency called LAB : the LAB lasts three days over a weekend, and takes place only during the day, in Brussels. The shorter format, that aims to be more accessible, focuses on artistic creation without the pressure of a result. To activate the six participating artists' spontaneity, a common theme is unveiled the day before the LAB. The aim of these residencies is, on the one hand, to enrich the professional network of each participant and allow new collaborations to emerge, and on the other hand, to stimulate artistic research.