Take part in the Uprising of Facades - The Parade
On Saturday, September 12th at 11 AM, something unprecedented will happen in Ghent. Two facades will break away from their row and march through the city, heading for a new location. And we need a lot of people to make it happen."
Whose city is it? This question is central to the art project The Revolt of the Facades by Thomas Verstraeten. A facade on the Vrijdagmarkt and a facade in the Brugse Poort district are meticulously recreated and placed in front of their original counterparts. On Saturday, September 12, the facades will break away from the row of houses and be placed onto large trucks. Then, they will move toward each other in a festive caravan, each accompanied by 500 local residents and musicians. Ultimately, the Vrijdagmarkt facade will end up in the Brugse Poort, and the Brugse Poort facade on the Vrijdagmarkt. There, they will be rebuilt, surrounded by a celebrating crowd.
With this exchange of facades, we bridge the gap between the tourist backdrop of an increasingly anonymous city center and the living dynamics of the outer neighborhoods. It creates a powerful gesture of resistance and connection. We are giving the city back to the people who live there.
Do you want to reclaim your place in the city and be seen alongside the facade from the Fonteineplein? Or do you want to join the Vrijdagmarkt facade in search of more variety and connection? Join the revolt on September 12 and be part of the caravan escorting the exchange of the facades from 11 AM to 1 PM.
Why participate?
- You will be part of a unique art project in public space.
- You contribute to a story about the city, its residents, and their place.
- You will experience a day that no one will easily forget.
What will you be doing?
You will walk along with a truck carrying one facade, helping to escort it through the city together with others. Halfway through, you will meet the other caravan with the other facade. The facades will be exchanged, and you will return to the starting point with the new facade.
During the procession, there will be a few simple actions:
- moving together
- singing a simple song (if you want to)
- playing along with a portable instrument (if you want to)
Anyone can participate. You will receive clear cues via flags and guidance.
Who is it for?
Everyone is welcome. No experience is necessary. Feel free to bring your neighbors, children, pets, etc.
You can participate if you:
- can walk about 3 km (wheelchairs, strollers, etc., are definitely welcome!)
- feel like experiencing something together
- are open to following simple instructions
