HISK - Higher Institute for Fine Arts Flanders - Ghent
Advanced Studies & Practice-based Research in Visual Arts
The Higher Institute of Fine Arts (HISK) provides postgraduate education in Flanders in the field of the visual arts. Approximately twenty-five young artists from Belgium and abroad are given a studio of their own for the duration of two years, along with appropriately specialised guidance.
Emphasis is given to individual practice with an international focus. The visiting lecturers are crucial within this system. Artists, curators, critics and theoreticians pay individual studio visits at regular intervals. There are also frequent trips to significant art events as well as readings, master classes, seminars and workshops. The HISK also offers technical facilities and production opportunities. Thanks to the unique HISK concept, the participants are given every opportunity to seriously invest in critical research around their work and situate it within a broader artistic, cultural and social context.At the end of the two-year working period, the participant receives a certificate of ‘HISK Laureate’.
The HISK is officially recognized as a higher educational institute and is financed by the Flemish Community (the Ministry of Education) and is supported by the City of Ghent.
Since 1997, 126 laureates have graduated from the HISK. Most of them are currently building up successful careers as professional artists in Belgian and abroad.