Through Art We Care operates as a generator: a system through which connections are forged, and joint actions towards more caring art and artful care are taken and reflected upon. It was founded by Julie Rodeyns and Wouter Bouchez, but it involves many others. Initiatives usually arise from:
(1) A person or organization approaching us with a need or desire to together explore options of ‘artful care’ or ‘caring art’.
(2) An encounter that creates enthusiasm to embark on an adventure together.
(3) Shaping a joint collaboration and defining expectations, roles and responsibilities.
(4) If we take the lead: a pinch of magic match-making in order to get the right persons and partners on board in forming a temporary community of interest and action.
Although we usually work on a project-by-project basis and therefore each time in different constellations and limited in time, we always consider sustainability. We deeply enjoy it when our input can contribute to new, lasting changes, or resonate and feed new initiatives beyond a project’s scope or our immediate involvement.
Julie Rodeyns is the driving force behind Through Art We Care. With over 20 years of experience as an art critic, art curator/mediator, trainer, and researcher, Julie has honed her expertise in socially engaged art, and, more specifically, art-care intersections, through years of dedicated work. Her critical mindset and commitment to thoroughness drive her to approach every project with rigour. Julie’s insatiable energy and enthusiasm, coupled with her strong work ethic, make her the perfect guide to lead individuals, groups, and transdisciplinary partners beyond their comfort zones and into a world of genuine curiosity towards art and each other. You can contact her for specific questions about our operations, project proposals, and content-related collaborations.
Wouter Bouchez is the chair of Matchbox vzw, the organisation behind Through Art We Care. With his broad background in the arts and extensive experience in setting up innovative, cross-sector trajectories, he contributes strategically to shaping the direction of Through Art We Care. You can contact him with questions regarding governance or strategic/structural exchange and collaboration.
