Kunstroute-Leuven

The concept

Along with some 40 selected artists, open studio days will be organised in Leuven and the surrounding area on Sunday 25 April, Saturday 1 May and Sunday 2 May 2027 (11.00–18.00) as part of the ‘Kunstroute-Leuven’ event. The primary aim is to introduce a broad and interested public to the artists’ work. To ensure the event is a success once again, it is essential that all participating artists make a clear commitment and provide a coordinated programme, with a focus on explanation, quality and innovation. Participating artists warmly invite the ‘Kunstroute-Leuven’ public into their own studio, home or garden… so that visitors can discover their living and working environments, tastes, working atmosphere, sources of inspiration… and their work and working methods. The studio, the workplace, is essential. Applications will be rejected if participants do not open up their own workspace. The public will have the opportunity to speak to the artists in person, ask for explanations and/or watch them at work (demonstration, workshop, multimedia presentation, etc.). In this way, Kunstroute-Leuven aims to surprise its audience and offer more than merely an ‘exhibition of artworks’.
 

Selection of participants 

Each year, Kunstroute-Leuven aims to showcase around 40 artists from the Leuven region, whilst offering visitors a high standard of artistic quality. In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, it is necessary to carry out a selection process. An external professional jury undertakes this delicate and difficult task. The steering group appoints a different jury each year. The steering group, represented by Philippe De Smedt, adopts an observational role during the judging process and acts solely in an advisory capacity. The other steering group members will not be present during the judging to ensure the neutrality of the decision. Each year, all applications are (re)assessed in the light of a limited set of criteria. Opening up your studio (your own workspace) is a prerequisite for participation. Individual, and above all artistic, aspects carry the most weight, but general organisational considerations (including the geographical location of your studio and diversity across artistic disciplines) also play a role in compiling the list of participants. And these may vary from year to year. So please do not take it as a personal rejection if you are unable to take part. You will be invited again next year. You can also apply again of your own initiative! The names of the jury members are not disclosed in order to protect them from email correspondence regarding their decisions.
 

Participate

Artists with a studio within a 10-kilometre radius of Leuven may apply to take part in Kunstroute-Leuven 2026 on Sunday 25 April, Friday 1 May and Sunday 2 May. Applications must be received by 15 November 2026 at the latest. 
The form required to submit your application can be found at www.kunstroute-Leuven.be.  
 

Open call with participation fee

• The participation fee is €130. This includes: 20,000 leaflets, signage for the participating artists, and a banner (flag on a pole). The website, Facebook page and Instagram page are also covered by this fee. The board members work on a voluntary basis.
• Once you have been notified of your selection, each participating artist pays the contribution towards expenses.

Disclaimer: Kunstwerkt encourages organisers to keep open calls accessible. There is a participation fee for this open call. We state these costs explicitly so that you, as an artist, can make an informed choice.