Kurt d’Haeseleer is the artistic director and founder of WERKTANK, factory for new and old media. Werktank is a production platform for art and artists at the crossroads of visual art, science and technology.
In our headquarters in Leuven (Belgium) we investigate how digital technology can expand the artist’s toolbox. We embrace the poetic possibilities of technology, but also take a critical stance and reflect on the societal transformation that comes along with it.
We function as a stepping stone in the development of an artist’s career. Werktank supports the artist practice artistically, technically, production -and business-wise, and connects the artist with our extensive network. Every year we give new artists the opportunity to work in Werktank, in parallel with a selection of artists who are supported on a longer term and who assure the continuity of the Werktank-dramaturgy.
We aim to continuously challenge the artistic line developed over the past years with new impulses, at the same time trying to maintain a coherent story which connects the works we produce.
Most of the works produced in our media-factory are comments or reflections on contemporary visual culture. They form a bridge between the past and the present by deliberately mixing new and old media. Often they combine the latest digital technologies with old craftsman like techniques, always maintaining the focus on the content and imaginative force of the artwork.
Our headquarters are situated in the heart of the city of Leuven (Belgium) and consists of offices, workspaces and a technical workshop. We are an inter(national) organisation, but are also firmly rooted in the city, closely collaborating with local actors to give new impulses to its emerging artistic scene.
Kurt d'Haeseleer 