ARTEFACT 2026: GRIND GRIND GRIND, RELEASE. AN EXHIBITION AS A MASSAGE

The 2026 edition of Artefact departs from the question: how can an exhibition function as a massage? Bringing together the work of 19 national and international visual artists, the exhibition explores concepts such as the desiring body, longing and belonging. And just like a good massage, this exhibition seeks out the tension points. Not to dance around it but to gently yet firmly acknowledge their existence and work through it.

What does it mean to long for? What does it mean to belong; to feel at home in body, a community, a (self-chosen) family, a landscape? How do highly personal questions touch the political and social? What needs to be said? Where is the tension? What can offer release?

An open-hearted exhibition that challenges, yet embalms you. May you wake up refreshed.

Artefact Sound is a series of concerts parallel with the exhibition of Artefact. Expect the best of international adventurous music and sound art, alongside innovators from the Belgian underground. All this in the perfect listening conditions of the stately Soetezaal. Come and enjoy the free opening night, dance the night away at Artefact Night or be surprised by sound art on the closing afternoon. In addition to concerts, there will also be talks, films, workshops and an immersive subwoofer installation by Stefanie Egedy in STEK. Be sure to pop into the free exhibition before or after your concert.

CURATOR: Gilles Helsen

A variety of workshops, performances, films and lectures allow you to delve even deeper, tickling all of your senses and mind. More information about the entire Artefact programme can be found at artefact-festival.be in January 2026.