Introduction

Contour Biennale is a dynamic platform for moving image art in the historic city of Mechelen, Belgium. Established in 2003, it presents cutting-edge film, video, and installation works that engage with contemporary social, political, and aesthetic concerns while creating dialogues with Mechelen's rich historical context.

Distinguished by its site-specific approach, Contour transforms historical buildings, public spaces, and cultural institutions throughout Mechelen into venues for moving image works. This unique curatorial strategy creates unexpected encounters between contemporary art practices and the city's medieval and baroque heritage, offering new perspectives on both.

Narrative & Themes

Each edition of Contour Biennale is developed around a specific thematic framework that responds to pressing contemporary issues while considering the distinctive context of Mechelen. Recent editions have explored topics such as social justice, ecological concerns, political representation, and the evolving relationship between humans and technology.

The biennale consistently emphasizes experimental approaches to moving image art, featuring works that challenge conventional cinematic and exhibition formats. By presenting works in non-traditional spaces, Contour encourages visitors to experience moving images beyond the black box of the cinema or white cube of the gallery.

In recent years, Contour has evolved from a concentrated event to an extended program that unfolds over several months. This expanded temporal format allows for deeper engagement with the selected themes and creates opportunities for public programs, performances, and community initiatives that complement the exhibition component.

History & Context

Contour Biennale was established in 2003 as a biennial event dedicated to video art in Mechelen. Founded by the non-profit arts organization Contour Mechelen, it has evolved over the years from a relatively small-scale exhibition to an internationally recognized platform for moving image practices.

The biennale's identity is closely tied to its host city, Mechelen, which offers a distinctive context for contemporary art. Located between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen combines rich historical heritage with contemporary cultural vitality, creating a productive tension between past and present that informs the biennale's curatorial approach.

Exhibition Venues

Contour Biennale utilizes multiple venues throughout the city of Mechelen, creating a distributed exhibition that encourages visitors to explore urban space while engaging with art. These venues typically include historical buildings, churches, museums, public spaces, and repurposed industrial sites, each offering distinctive contexts for moving image works.

Recurring venues include the Museum Hof van Busleyden, a 16th-century renaissance palace; the ARSENAAL/LAZARUS theater; St. Rumbold's Cathedral; and various churches, monasteries, and historical buildings that reflect Mechelen's rich architectural heritage. This diversity of spaces allows for a wide range of presentation formats, from intimate screenings to large-scale projections and immersive installations.