Kristof Blom © Jantien Vermeiren

In conversation with brand-new artistic coordinator Kristof Blom

Kristof Blom, since May 2025 the new artistic coordinator of VIERNULVIER, radiates a lot of enthusiasm when he talks about his first months. After thirteen years as artistic director at CAMPO in Ghent, he is now using his knowledge and experience to put our favourite arts center on the map even more.

“The first months were overwhelming and impressive, but in a very positive way. VIERNULVIER gives me an incredible amount of energy. I really feel like a lovesick teenager in this house,” Kristof says with a laugh. “I have been coming here for years, first as a student and then through collaborations with CAMPO. Because of that, I thought I knew the house well, but by working here, I continually discover new facets. There is so much to explore and so much variety – in the program and in the operation. That really energizes me. I am also lucky to start at a time when this house is stepping back into the spotlight after a period of partial closure. It feels like VIERNULVIER is ready to make a difference in the local scene, whether it’s about performing arts, music, talks, or new digital art forms. It’s a unique opportunity to connect different disciplines from my role and develop new initiatives that respond to the trends of this time. The architecture of this building also encourages connection: there are so many crossroads, literally and figuratively, that invite new connections and creativity.”

"VIERNULVIER gives me tons of energy."

artistic coordinator Kristof Blom

Are there certain lines in the programme?

We will think more in terms of series and recurring moments that can culminate in focus programmes or festivals as the cherry on top. Next season, for example, we are planning a cluster around crossover formats. These are already present in this house, think of the successful VIDEODROOM, but we will focus even more on them in the future. This will further sharpen the profile of VIERNULVIER. There will also be a new edition of WITH PLEASURE, a festival that was curated five years ago by Eva Neklayeva – now our performing arts programmer. According to her, it is “the only arts programme that will improve your sex life.” Additionally, we are strengthening the format KIEMKRACHT, which took place for the first time last year, because we see a lot of potential in it.

Can you tell us about the new series 4×4?

Certainly! 4×4 is a new programme concept that revolves around connection and optimally utilizing the possibilities of the building and its various spaces. The programme gives artists, as central guests or curators, the freedom to use four spaces (Domzaal, Balzaal, Antiekstudio, and Muziekstudio) for experiments, new initiatives, tributes, or to showcase beautiful things from their own practice or that of their peers and artists who inspire them. The format is flexible and offers an artist this opportunity four times a year. The first edition will take place during the festive reopening of the annex (February 3–8, 2026) with Lieselot Siddiki as curator, followed by Johannes Is Zijn Naam in April.

What are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season?

I am really looking forward to the great variety in the programme, from intimate music performances in the Balzaal to innovative formats in Club Wintercircus. And also to the activity behind the scenes: the residencies, conversations, and encounters with artists and audiences in the café and the many corridors and rooms of the building. In our studios and beyond, ideas are bubbling: artists are researching, trying, failing, and reinventing. That freedom to develop and experiment makes this house so vibrant.