Brussels Sculpture Festival in Turmoil: Unpaid Artists and Uncertain Future
For the second year running, the Brussels Sculpture Festival presented an impressive array of international art at Gare Maritime. But behind the scenes, a different story was unfolding. Artists participating in Sculptura #2, held from January to March 2024, are alleging financial mismanagement and a lack of transparency from the organization, putting the future of the festival in doubt.
This year’s event showcased 38 artists, some of whose sculptures will remain in the park around Gare Maritime until the end of the year. While visually stunning, the financial aftermath of the festival has left a bitter taste. German artist Willi Reiche told BRUZZ, “The transport costs of the sculptures brought to Brussels would be paid by Brussels Sculpture Festival vzw, but the organization is now not keeping the promises it made.”
The transport company IDS Spedition has also not been paid, with outstanding invoices totaling 22,000 euros.
Breach of Trust
Beyond delayed transport refunds, artists are experiencing significant delays in receiving prize money. Adding to the frustration is the lack of communication from organizer Äke Verstraelen. Willie Reiche, who participated in Sculptura #2 complained about a severe breach of trust. “We asked several times for a mediation meeting in Brussels,” he said, “but organizer Äke Verstraelen wouldn’t agree. He said he didn’t have the financial resources, after which we didn’t hear from him for six months.”
Another artist, wishing to remain anonymous, shared a similar experience: “I sent the organizer many emails, but received no response. I lost around 3,000 euros, maybe even more, but have little proof. He strategically chose never to answer my emails.”
Lack of Transparency and Financial Troubles
On September 1, the organization contacted the artists but requested they remain discreet about the financial situation. In an alleged apology email, Sculptura stated that it is “actively looking for solutions to the financial problems and is exploring all options to ensure it meets its obligations.” However, nine months after the festival, artists are still waiting for concrete answers.
The National Lottery, which had pledged support for Sculptura for the first time this year with an eye towards future editions, has paused funding. Spokesperson Lis Mispoulier explained, “The National Lottery has not yet made any payment in this file. Since no verification documents were provided by the organization, the support could not be paid out.” Mispoulier expressed that the National Lottery is aware of the artists’ complaints but has not yet received any communication from the festival organizer. Currently, the National Lottery is examining what legal and administrative steps to take next.
The future of the festival remains uncertain. A leaked email correspondence suggests that Sculptura may face permanent closure “largely due to financial constraints.” Artists and partners who are still waiting for their promised payouts were told by the organizer they “will be paid when we are still receiving outstanding financing.”
A Venue Turns its Back
Even if the Sculptura Festival does come back, it will likely have to find a new venue. Jean Vandamme, Sales and Hospitality Manager of Thurn & Taxis, informed The Brussels Times that they will not welcome the sculpture event back at Gare Maritime.
Attempts to reach Brussels Sculpture Festival vzw and organizer Äke Verstraelen for comment were unsuccessful.
What steps have artists taken to resolve the financial issues with the Brussels Sculpture Festival organizers?
## Brussels Sculpture Festival in Turmoil: A Conversation with Willi Reiche
**Interviewer:** Willi, thank you for joining us today. Your participation in Sculptura #2, the Brussels Sculpture Festival, showcased your incredible work to a wider audience, but it seems the experience was marred by financial disputes. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Willi Reiche:** Of course. The festival itself was magnificent. My sculpture, like those of the other 37 artists, found a great home in the park around Gare Maritime. However, the promised financial support from the organizers, Brussels Sculpture Festival vzw, hasn’t materialized. They were supposed to cover the transport costs of getting our sculptures to Brussels, but those reimbursements are now overdue.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned a significant financial burden on artists due to these unpaid expenses.
**Willi Reiche:** Absolutely. Beyond the transport costs, many artists, myself included, are still waiting for their prize money. It’s incredibly frustrating.
**Interviewer:** Have you tried to resolve these issues with the festival organizer, Äke Verstraelen?
**Willi Reiche:** We have, repeatedly. We requested a mediation meeting in Brussels to discuss the situation, but Mr. Verstraelen refused, claiming a lack of financial resources. Since then, communication has been nonexistent. We’ve been left in the dark for the past six months.
**Interviewer:** This lack of transparency is concerning. What message does this send to artists who may consider participating in future editions of the festival?
**Willi Reiche:** It sends a very clear message: proceed with extreme caution. The financial promises made by the organizers may not be honored, and communication is nonexistent when problems arise. This lack of professionalism and transparency is damaging to the festival’s reputation and casts a dark shadow over what was initially a promising event.
