During the last six months a detailed evaluation of arts and cultural policy and practices in Flanders has been undertaken by Professor Anne Bamford from the Engine Room, Wimbledon College of Art. The report was launched by the Minister for Education, Frank Vandenbroucke in a high profile event featuring the national orchestra and attended by over 1000 of the leaders of arts and cultural field within Flanders.

Dr Vandenbroucke described the report as “richly elaborated research.” In response to this national evaluation conducted by Professor Bamford he has launched a Parliamentary Commission into arts and cultural education in Flanders. This commission has been charged with addressing and implementing the recommendations of the report. The impact of this ground-breaking work is already being felt in a reinvigoration of arts education in Flanders. Dr Vandenbroucke commented that the report will be a “source of inspiration for many” and that it will “undoubtedly have a positive influence on the art and cultural based education at schools and far beyond.”

The Flemish report results from the international evaluation of arts and cultural education conducted by Professor Bamford for UNESCO in 2004-05. The Engine Room continues to expand its reputation for high quality impact measurement in the arts with a national study completed in Denmark leading to a range of legislation reforms in that country and the Dutch evaluation report released in November 2007. This international works also strengthens the University’s position as a leader within Europe and establishes ongoing opportunities for collaborative projects and European exchanges.

For further information contact:
Professor Anne Bamford