Beaufort04 takes over beach and dyke

The coastline will once again serve as background to the impressive works of art of Beaufort04. They will be exhibited in most coastal towns during this fourth edition of the triennial open-air art event from April to September. The new series of controversial artworks will undoubtedly attract many visitors to the coast. Artists are already placing their works at the thirty sites spread between De Panne and Zeebrugge and even that in itself is an attraction. The official opening will take place at the fish mine in Nieuwpoort on 20 March. Newport Alderman for Culture, Geert Vanden Broucke CD&V expects a visit from European president Herman Van Rompuy to the opening, as this edition has been limited to artists from the EU countries. The main reason for this decision was to save money. Says Gunter Pertry, representative and chairman of the non-profit organisation Kunst: “Our budgets are smaller and we have to save on transport costs. That does not mean the exhibitions will be less exciting. On the contrary. I personally believe Beaufort04 will be the most beautiful one so far.” The coastal suburb of Knokke-Heist does not participate in this year’s edition. Mayor Leopold Lippens does no longer accept that “artworks will be imposed” to his town. Therefore the town of Knokke-Heist prefers to select itself the artworks it wants to see exhibited on the dike. Beaufort04 runs from 31 March to 30 September and all coastal towns between De Panne and Zeebrugge will participate. The monumental works can be viewed at 28 locations, mostly on the beach or the dyke.