KU Leuven's 600th Anniversary: Permanent Contemporary Art Trail Opens in Leuven
On May 16, 2025, Leuven, Belgium, launched a permanent contemporary art trail titled "And So, Change Comes in Waves" in honor of KU Leuven's 600th anniversary. This initiative, curated by Heidi Ballet, Stéphane Symons, and Maud Vanhauwaert, features contributions from international artists and over 70 researchers focusing on issues such as climate change and inclusivity. Notable artists include Berlinde De Bruyckere, Ugo Rondinone, and Alicja Kwade, with poetic texts by Jan Lauwereyns and others displayed in public areas. Exhibitions highlighting the university's legacy and distinguished alumni will take place from October 10, 2025, to February 2, 2026, as celebrations extend from June 2025 through February 2026, inviting the public into various university spaces.
Key facts
- KU Leuven celebrates its 600th anniversary with a permanent contemporary art trail 'And So, Change Comes in Waves'.
- The trail opened on May 16, 2025, and is permanently accessible to the public.
- Curated by Heidi Ballet, Stéphane Symons, and Maud Vanhauwaert.
- Involved over 70 researchers and international artists addressing eight themes including climate crisis and inclusion.
- Artists include Berlinde De Bruyckere, Ugo Rondinone, Alicja Kwade, Sammy Baloji, Clara Spilliaert, Elif Erkan, Yu Ji, and Gijs Van Vaerenbergh.
- Poetic texts by eight Dutch-language poets are integrated into the urban landscape.
- Three exhibitions from October 10, 2025, to February 2, 2026, will cover the university's history and collections.
- Alicja Kwade will have her first Belgian solo exhibition as part of the program.
Entities
Artists
- Berlinde De Bruyckere
- Ugo Rondinone
- Alicja Kwade
- Sammy Baloji
- Clara Spilliaert
- Elif Erkan
- Yu Ji
- Gijs Van Vaerenbergh
- Heidi Ballet
- Stéphane Symons
- Maud Vanhauwaert
- Jan Lauwereyns
- Aya Sabi
- Dominique De Groen
- Pieter Van de Walle
- Yousra Benfquih
- Reinout Verbeke
- Annelies Van Dyck
- Mercator
- Dominique Pire
Institutions
- KU Leuven
- Beaufort Triennial
- BAC Art Lab
- Holland College
- Arenberg Park
Locations
- Leuven
- Belgium
- Brabante Fiammingo
- Arenberg Park
- Arenberg library
- Arenberg Castle
- Groot Begijnhof
- Congo