Mission statement
The HISK (Higher Institute of Fine Arts) organizes the postgraduate education in Flanders in the field of the visual arts. It provides some thirty young artists from Belgium and abroad (see a list of former laureates on http://www.hisk.edu ) with a studio of their own, for a duration of two years.
At the HISK the emphasis lies mainly on individual practice, with an international focus. The visiting lecturers are crucial (see a list of former lecturers on http://www.hisk.edu ) . Artists, curators, critics and theoreticians pay individual studio visits at regular intervals. There are also frequent visits to significant art events, and readings and workshops are organized. Thanks to the unique HISK concept the participants are given every opportunity to seriously invest in the critical research of their work, and to situate it within a broader artistic, cultural and societal context.
From January 2007 on, the HISK moves from Antwerp to its new premises in Ghent.
Based on an former military domain (the Leopoldskazerne) nearby the Museum of Contemporary Art (SMAK), the University and the central station (Sint-Pieters-station) this building offers 30 individual studio’s (from 40 to 80 m2), a multi-media lab, workshops for wood, metal, casting, a project exhibition space, library, lecture room and facilities (kitchen, cafeteria, internet-corner) for the candidates laureates. Ghent is one of the most lively students cities of Flanders and has a great cultural and artistic climate (see http://www.gent.be). Renting a room or apartment in Ghent is still affordable.
Applications
The HISK does not impose strict demands on previous education, yet it does focus on a candidate’s level of development. The application is based on submitted work from past years and on the basis of an interview about the motivations for the artistic project which the participant wishes to undertake during his/her study.
In the assessment of the submitted works by the artists concerned, their conceptual and visual qualities are paramount; not style, material or technique.
Considering the HISK’s aims, the participants are, besides their own practice, expected to have a strong commitment to conducting critical research in their own field of interest, in relation to the broader perspective of social and cultural elements.
Moreover a contribution to the activities of the HISK as a whole is expected. Interaction is an important feeding ground. The work period culminates in a public presentation of the candidates’ work after which a certificate of Laureateship is awarded.
The working year begins annually in early January.
To apply, please send the following:
1. Information
• the duly completed application form (see http://www.hisk.edu or attached file)
• 4 recent passport photographs (name on back)
• a copy of your ID card or passport
• a detailed curriculum vitae
• a list of exhibitions (stating city and dates), grants, scholarships, awards, commissions
• catalogues and texts concerning the artistic work
• your personal motivation and work plan (in English, max. 20 lines)
• maximum 3 letters of recommendation (optional)
2. Presentation / portfolio
File with maximum 20 (colour) prints and/or PowerPoint presentation on CD (Mac compatible)
Films and videos: max. 5 and if possible on DVD
File to be sent to
HISK / Higher Institute for Fine Arts
Lange Leemstraat 338
B-2018 Antwerpen, Belgium
Deadline submission: September 1, 2006
The selection will be made by an international jury in September 2006.
The first working year starts on January 1, 2007 and ends on December 31, 2007.
As from January 1, 2007, the HISK is located in Ghent.
The documentation of the non-selected candidates can be collected at the secretariat upon completion of the admission procedure. The documentation of the selected candidates will be saved in the archives of the HISK.
Liability
As careful as the Higher Institute for Fine Arts-Flanders may be in handling the documentation submitted, we cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage.
Registration fee
The registration fee for 2007 amounts to 1000 euros ( a single deposit of 300 euros). Health insurance is not included in the registration fee. The registration fee (and the deposit) are payable before the start of the working year.
The Higher Institute of Fine Arts offers, apart from a studio, work places and pedagogical guidance, a limited production support for some projects, the organisation for the annual open studio’s, the production of a laureate show with catalogue, group study trips and a budget for individual travels.
There are no scholarships or residencies available. Living costs are the participants’ own responsibility.
More info on http://www.hisk.edu or:
Hoger Instituut voor Schone Kunsten /
Higher Institute for Fine Arts
Lange Leemstraat 338
B-2018 Antwerpen
T 32 3 286 78 40
HISK Flanders is supported by the Flemish Community
