Ghent (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Prinsenhof Art Biennale in Ghent is holding its 2nd edition (Oct 3–5, 10–12, 2025) featuring 52 artists in 23 locations, curated by Geert Van Hifte, partnered with SMAK and Matthys-Colle collection.
As VRT News reported, the Prinsenhof Art Biennale in Ghent is holding its 2nd edition this year. The event features a 3-kilometre route with works from 52 artists in 23 locations across the city. It includes both established national and international artists.
The exhibition presents a wide variety of art, including painting, illustration, video, sculpture, installations, photography, and multimedia. According to curator Geert Van Hifte,
“Every artwork is made to respond to the space it occupies.”
The biennale is designed to give visitors a complete experience.
What makes Ghent’s Prinsenhof Biennale a unique art experience?
Some arts are shown outdoors, in the street, gardens, or public areas. Other works are located in spaces that have limited public access, such as private salons, large gardens, and churches, or monasteries centuries old by the Carmelite, Augustinian and Poor Clare orders.
The Prinsenhof Art Biennale in Ghent is organised by the local Deanery, with the help of approximately 150 volunteers. Curator Geert Van Hifte has gathered works from several renowned artists for the event. The biennale has partnered with SMAK and the Matthys-Colle collection to secure artworks.
Van Hifte also recruited artists personally. He said the project benefits from the enthusiasm of volunteers and residents. Visitors also gain from this effort because the artists contribute without charging fees. The €10 ticket price only covers the operational costs.
Organisers confirmed that all outdoor installations are securely fixed and can withstand typical gusts. Each artwork has been carefully checked to ensure the safety of visitors. Van Hifte stressed that safety remains a priority for the event.
Kris Martin’s 24-meter-high “Rescue.” The colossal cross stands atop a fire truck and would be the tallest artwork in the country.
“That work can withstand winds of 10 Beaufort. And we haven’t really experienced that in Ghent yet,”
adds Van Hifte.
The converted wheelbarrows atop Gravensteen Castle would also remain in place.
“That work has been tested by engineers. You can rest assured, you won’t get a cross or wheelbarrow dropped on your head,”
concludes the curator.
The Prinsenhof Art Biennale in Ghent held its 1st edition in October 2023. The event featured 52 artists showing their work in 23 locations across the historic Prinsenhof district. Visitors could see paintings, sculptures, installations, videos, and other contemporary art. The biennale ran for 4 days and attracted more than 4,200 visitors.
