Over the past decades, Flanders has developed a remarkably strong ecosystem for performing arts in public space. Street theatre, circus, site-specific performances, participatory works, and artistic interventions in the public realm have become some of the most visible forms of cultural participation. Flemish companies are active internationally, festivals attract broad audiences, and the circus sector is widely regarded as one of the success stories of Flemish cultural policy. These developments demonstrate that Flanders increasingly recognizes the importance of art beyond the walls of traditional cultural institutions.

One of the greatest strengths of performing arts in public space is their accessibility. Unlike performances in theatres or arts centres, they also reach people who may not normally engage with cultural activities. Art literally comes to the public. Festivals such as Theater op de Markt, Miramiro, and Zomer van Antwerpen illustrate how high-quality artistic productions can engage diverse audiences. In doing so, public space becomes more than a backdrop for artistic presentation. It becomes a space for connection, dialogue, and social reflection.

Flemish cultural policy has played an important role in supporting this development. The circus sector in particular has benefited from significant investments in professionalization, talent development, and international visibility. The Flemish Circus Decree of 2019 (which replaced the original Circus Decree adopted in 2008) represents an important policy instrument that has provided artists and organizations with greater opportunities to work sustainably. Thanks to this support, Flanders has established itself as a region with a dynamic, innovative, and internationally respected circus landscape.

At the same time, there remain opportunities to further strengthen policy frameworks. Performing arts in public space operate at the intersection of several policy domains, including culture, public space, urban development, tourism, and civic participation. This diversity is a strength, but it can also make it challenging to develop a coherent long-term vision. While considerable attention has been devoted in recent years to artworks and spatial interventions in public space, temporary and performative artistic practices could be integrated more explicitly into broader policy discussions on public space and urban planning.

The organization of artistic activities in public space also requires continuous dialogue with other societal priorities in Flanders. Safety, mobility, accessibility, and quality of life are legitimate concerns for local authorities. At the same time, artists need sufficient freedom to experiment and create unexpected encounters. The challenge lies in balancing these objectives. Several Flemish cities already demonstrate that such a balance is possible through close collaboration between cultural departments, urban planners, and artists.

There are also opportunities for further development in terms of funding. Many artists and organizations currently combine resources from different subsidy schemes, festivals, and local partnerships. While this flexibility often encourages innovative projects, additional attention to sustainable support structures could contribute to greater continuity and artistic development.

The future of performing arts in public space in Flanders appears promising. Artistic talent is abundant, audiences continue to show strong interest, and both local and regional governments increasingly recognize the social value of culture in the public realm. The next step is to integrate performing arts more fully into the broader understanding of public space—not merely as events or temporary activities, but as essential components of a vibrant and inclusive society.

At a time when people increasingly communicate through digital channels, street theatre, circus, and performance offer something that is difficult to replicate: a shared physical experience. They bring strangers together, create new perspectives on familiar places, and strengthen the social fabric of cities and communities. For precisely these reasons, performing arts deserve a lasting and visible place within the cultural landscape of Flanders.

Photo: Hugs & Handshakes, by THERE THERE Company © Michiel Devijver

Gert Nulens

Director of Provinciaal Domein Dommelhof in Pelt, since December 2011. There, he continues to strengthen the centre’s international profile, with a strong focus on performing arts in public space, contemporary circus, and the festival Theater op de Markt. Prior to joining Dommelhof, he worked as a researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (SMIT), where he focused on cultural participation and cultural policy. In addition, he was active as a policy advisor and board member within various cultural organizations.