Introduction

The Beaufort Triennial is Belgium's premier open-air contemporary art exhibition that unfolds along the country's 67-kilometer coastline, transforming beaches, dunes, piers, and promenades into an expansive outdoor gallery. Established in 2003, this unique event presents ambitious site-specific sculptures and installations by Belgian and international artists who respond to the distinctive landscape, history, and culture of the Belgian coast.

Unlike traditional indoor exhibitions, Beaufort creates a dialogue between art, environment, and community, inviting visitors to experience contemporary art within the dynamic context of coastal spaces. The exhibition's distinctive format encourages exploration of the entire Belgian coastline while offering new perspectives on familiar landscapes and addressing the ecological, social, and cultural significance of the sea in contemporary life.

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of the Beaufort Triennial is developed around a specific thematic framework that explores the complex relationship between humans and the sea. Recurring themes include maritime heritage, coastal ecology, climate change, migration, tourism, and the evolving identity of coastal communities. These themes reflect both the local context of the Belgian coast and broader global concerns related to marine environments.

The triennial consistently emphasizes the dialogue between contemporary art and public space, creating opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with art outside traditional museum contexts. By placing works in highly accessible outdoor locations, Beaufort democratizes the experience of contemporary art while creating unexpected encounters between artworks, landscapes, and visitors from all walks of life.

Many works commissioned for Beaufort address environmental concerns, reflecting the increasingly urgent challenges of climate change, rising sea levels, marine pollution, and coastal erosion. Through these projects, the triennial raises awareness about ecological issues while exploring the potential of art to imagine more sustainable relationships between human societies and maritime environments.

History & Context

The Beaufort Triennial was established in 2003 as "Beaufort01," an initiative of the provincial government of West Flanders aimed at promoting cultural tourism along the Belgian coast while creating a significant platform for contemporary public art. The first edition featured 30 temporary installations by notable artists including Jan Fabre, Panamarenko, and Wim Delvoye.

Over the years, the event has evolved from a primarily touristic initiative to a respected international art platform with significant curatorial ambitions. Since 2015, the triennial has been organized by Westtoer (the West Flanders Tourism Board) in collaboration with the nine coastal municipalities and various cultural partners, ensuring both artistic quality and regional integration.

Exhibition Venues

The Beaufort Triennial unfolds across the entire 67-kilometer Belgian coastline, encompassing nine coastal municipalities: De Panne, Koksijde, Nieuwpoort, Middelkerke, Oostende, Bredene, De Haan, Blankenberge, and Knokke-Heist. Each municipality hosts several artworks, creating a dispersed exhibition that reflects the diverse character of different coastal areas, from bustling resort towns to quieter natural reserves.

Specific sites for artworks include beaches, dunes, parks, promenades, piers, harbors, and occasionally historic buildings or urban spaces. These locations are carefully selected in dialogue with the participating artists, considering both aesthetic and practical factors such as public accessibility, environmental impact, and contextual relevance. The outdoor setting creates unique challenges and opportunities for artists, who must contend with salt, wind, sand, and changing weather conditions in creating durable public works.