Michiel Vandevelde appointed as new artistic director of CAMPO

Following an international selection process, Michiel Vandevelde has been appointed as the new artistic director of arts centre CAMPO. Vandevelde, who is currently theatre and dance programmer at the Antwerp arts centre DE SINGEL, succeeds Kristof Blom who recently became artistic coordinator of the Ghent arts centre VIERNULVIER.

Michiel Vandevelde began his dance career at a young age with the Leuven company fABULEUS. Since graduating from P.A.R.T.S. in 2012, he developed his practice as a choreographer, curator and writer. From 2017 to 2021, he was artist in residence at Kaaitheater. As a maker, he also regularly works with VIERNULVIER, STUK in Leuven and Concertgebouw Brugge. He was also part of the artistic team of the Brussels Bâtard festival and the Antwerp Kunsthal Extra City.

In recent years his artistic work has been presented throughout Europe. Recently he created an experimental opera with Eva Reiter and ICTUS, and his new performance out of hands premiered at fABULEUS. He is currently still connected to DE SINGEL as a programmer and to Dans in Brugge as a trajectory maker.

“At DE SINGEL, we are incredibly proud of Michiel Vandevelde and this important step in his career. Michiel has impressed us in recent years with his sharp mind, bold ideas and warm personality. He has done groundbreaking work as an artist and colleague, and we are extremely grateful and appreciative. That he now joins a leading organisation like CAMPO as artistic director feels like a logical and beautiful next step. We wish him a lot of success in Ghent.”
Hendrik Storme - general and artistic director DE SINGEL

“Relevant, exciting, quirky and a real frontrunner: CAMPO is a special house. That it has its origins in initiatives founded by artists makes it all the more powerful. CAMPO exudes a deep respect for diverse and innovative artists' practices. As such, I am immensely excited to join the team in building CAMPO's future. I dream of tumult in the theatre. Of unexpected collaborations. Of playful ambition. Of incredible experiences. Of tumult on squares. Of artists who can land softly at CAMPO after fearless actions.” Michiel Vandevelde

“Michiel thinks wildly, big and inclusive, and that suits CAMPO. We were looking for a new artistic director with a fresh look and a sharp vision, who at the same time can also ensure the continuity of the operation. We found the right person for that in Michiel. With his baggage as a creator on the one hand and as a programmer on the other, he has the perfect background to take on the role of artistic director in an arts center like CAMPO.”
Christine Van Daele - president of the board of directors CAMPO

CAMPO is a pioneering arts centre that creates and presents theatre, dance and performance by new makers and international voices. CAMPO works and presents internationally, and at two locations in Ghent: CAMPO nieuwpoort and CAMPO victoria. Michiel Vandevelde will start as artistic director from the beginning of October onwards.