HUP 03: a year to push your practice forward
Wat is HUP?
HUP is a talent development trajectory for visual artists, organized by Kunstwerkt. 15 makers receive a year of content-related and financial support to further develop a fully personal artistic project.
Selection takes place through an open call, after which an independent jury puts together a varied group of 15 makers. The selection is open to all non-professional artists, regardless of age, gender, or background. By targeting non-professional artists, we give opportunities to emerging makers, recent graduates, self-taught artists, or artists who are just starting out in their practice and are in need of a boost. Mid-career artists or artists supported by a promotional gallery are not eligible.
After the selection, the group comes together every so often to exchange ideas during engaging workshops. We close the trajectory with a group exhibition, where we present work by the 15 artists. For this third edition of HUP, we're partnering with De Tank in Bruges.
New in HUP 03
HUP looks a little different every year. Last year we worked together with NUCLEO in Ghent, for HUP 03, it's De Tank in Bruges we’re joining forces with. De Tank is the studio initiative of Het Entrepot, located in the Blydhove Castle in Assebroek. Through this, Het Entrepot aims to meet the demand for affordable artist studios in Bruges. More than 40 artists currently have their studios here. The Tank residents also organize exhibitions, events, and workshops.
Additionally, we have chosen to align this edition of HUP with the theme of the Bruges Triennial: After Birth – Structures of Togetherness. From 24 April to 5 September 2027, Bruges will once again become a stage for contemporary art and architecture, focusing on togetherness, rituals, and shared life experiences as a counterbalance to growing societal individualism. By embracing this theme, we tap into the city's cultural context and, for the closing group exhibition, engage the public who come to visit the Triennial. Moreover, this theme strongly aligns with HUP's mission: bringing people together, sharing resources and knowledge, and building meaningful connections.
Your proposed project should connect with the theme of the Bruges Triennial 2027, but not in a strictly literal way. Let After Birth – Structures of Togetherness inspire your approach in a flexible manner. The theme can resonate in your concept, form, or method, but also in your choice of materials. You can also read more about it on the Triennial's website.
Online inspiration session: how do I build my case for an artistic project?
On September 30, 2026, artist and curator Han Decorte will host an online inspiration session to guide artists on crafting compelling pitches for open calls, residencies, and international projects. The session focuses on three key areas: selecting the right opportunities that align with your current practice, connecting your existing portfolio to specific themes, and presenting your concept clearly and persuasively. While the examples are drawn from the HUP 03 talent development program by Kunstwerkt, the strategies provided are universally applicable to any artistic proposal. Please note: this session will take place in Dutch. Do you speak another language, but would you like to get access to the information given? Please contact us at hup@kunstwerkt.be and we'll find a solution together.
HUP 03 open call
Convinced to give it a shot? You still have until November 3 to submit your application through the open call. We'll ask you for recent work and a description of the project you want to realize through HUP. Do you have questions about your submission? Send them to hup@kunstwerkt.be. We're happy to help.
