Kortrijk inspires international delegation with creative ecosystem

After 20 years, we can proudly say that, together with our partners Stad Kortrijk, intercommunale Leiedal, Kamer van Koophandel Voka West-Vlaanderen, Kortrijk Xpo and recently waste-to-energy intercommunal Imog, we have mastered the quintuple helix approach well. Our unique collaboration model, in which creatives, governments, businesses, education, environment and citizens work together on sustainable innovation, is attracting increasing (international) interest. During the visit, our guests were introduced to various local actors within our ecosystem.

During the deep dive, we highlighted the best of our city and region. Urban renovator Peter Tanghe took our guests on a bike ride past several creative spots that showcase urban renewal, such as the new Abby Museum, the lowered Leieboorden and the Designkiosk on Graanmarkt. The delegation also met Piet Grymonprez, co-founder of MyMachine, a Kortrijk initiative that is gaining worldwide recognition for the way it stimulates creativity in children and young people. Ronald Bastiaens showcased some of Howest's creative training programs, spread across the city's campuses. Our guests also sampled the inclusive operation of Buda Kitchen.

We also moved into the region. In Wervik, we visited the “Impulsive Girl Tour” initiative of social housing company Impuls, where female street artists breathe new life into social housing estates. We discovered design thinking avant la lettre in agriculture at the ecological winery Ravenstein. Wine grower Dirk Talpe explained how he made the step from flower grower to grape grower on the southern flank of the Amerikaberg. The deep dive ended with a floral wreath for peace at the Last Post ceremony under the emblematic Menenpoort in Ypres.

At Designregio Kortrijk, we think in terms of opportunities and attach great importance to inspiring our regional stakeholders with good examples from the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. In Hangar K, Bonnie Fahoome of Design Core Detroit delivered an inspiring keynote on inclusive design strategies.

The program brought a unique mix of inspiration, connection and cooperation. The impact of the visit is clearly felt: valuable new contacts, ideas for international cooperation and a renewed appreciation for the creative power of the city and region of Kortrijk emerged. With this, the city and region confirm their role as an international example within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.