Exhibiting at MUZE'UM L


MUZE'UM L, LIGHT AND LANDSCAPE
INDEPENDENT AND PRIVATE ART CENTRE ON THE ZILVERBERG SITE / ROESELARE / BELGIUM
A LOCATION FOR CREATING IN SITU INSTALLATIONS


MUZE'UM L is an open space for creating in situ installations. Visual artists, photographers, musicians and other disciplines can develop a project at MUZE'UM L.

The project must be inspired by MUZE'UM L itself: Light, Line, Longitude, Landscape, or any other dimension the space carries within it. That inspiration must be clearly perceptible in the work.

Anyone can submit an application to exhibit (see below). In fact, we are constantly looking for new applications and are curious to see what artists can create at MUZE'UM L.


Information for Artists


The Muse of MUZE’UM L

MUZE'UM L is a story, a story about Light, Landscape and (Meridian) Line. A story that keeps being written every day. A story about light in all its meanings: about the sun and the planets, about experience through architecture, through art, through stillness, through clean lines, through light and shadow, through fascination and self-reflection.

A story that aims to inspire all visitors: the passer-by, the walker or cyclist, the visitor to the exhibition, the newlyweds who come here for photographs, and of course the artists too. In this way, MUZE'UM L wants to be a source of inspiration for everyone.

It is an entirely private project, developed by Fernand Callebert and continued by his son and daughter, Maarten and Bieke, with support from the rest of the Callebert family. A deliberate choice has been made not to work with subsidies or with a commercial purpose.


Art in MUZE’UM L

When an artist is inspired by the story of MUZE'UM L and translates this inspiration into an artwork or exhibition, he or she can apply to exhibit at MUZE'UM L. All disciplines are welcome, as long as the work can be presented in a visually appealing way and is in harmony with the space and the building.

That is why we always speak of in situ exhibitions. The exhibition is set up in dialogue with the specific space, so that the artwork is shown to full advantage while the strength of the space continues to speak for itself. We look for a synergy between the installation and the space.

The intention is not to fill the space entirely. In principle, it concerns a single strong artwork. The aim is not to show a complete body of work or several different works, unless it clearly forms a series. MUZE'UM L is not a gallery or a classic exhibition space: less is more. By leaving things out, more focus and experience is created. The architecture and the space call for a minimalist approach. The space always remains an important part of the exhibition: the artwork reinforces the space, and vice versa.

The MUZE'UM L team decides whether an application fits within the story and the space. This is a subjective choice and says nothing about the value or quality of the proposed work.

Maarten Callebert acts as curator when setting up the exhibition. He reserves the right to request adjustments or remove certain elements (in consultation with the artist), in line with the in situ approach and the preservation of the space's unique features.


Exhibition Periods

Each exhibition follows the rhythm of the seasons. Specifically, a new exhibition starts on the Sunday closest to the 21st of the month, with the exception of the winter exhibition, which only starts in January because of the year-end holidays.

  • Winter exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to January 10 (9 Sundays)

  • Spring exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to 21 March (closed on Easter Sunday: 9 Sundays)

  • Summer exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to June 21 (10 Sundays)

  • Autumn exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to September 21 (10 Sundays)

The duration of the exhibition depends on the season, Easter, and possible other events, and may be shorter or longer than the numbers listed above.

Each season has its own light characteristics. In winter there are fewer daylight hours and it gets dark quickly, but when the sun does shine, it shines low and powerfully, from wall to wall. In summer, by contrast, there is a great deal of sunlight through the dome, while sunlight through the window only reaches about half a metre into the room. Spring and autumn form a middle ground. Even within a single season there are differences: an autumn exhibition may start in bright sunshine on 21 September but end in deep darkness by early December.


Other Uses of the Space

Because MUZE'UM L is a private project without subsidies or a commercial purpose, the space is sometimes also used for other activities to generate income for maintenance and further development.

This may include photography (indoors and outdoors), presentations (for example book launches), small receptions, musical performances, dance performances, press events or workshops. This can take place both during an ongoing exhibition (without moving the artworks) and during the periods between exhibitions (when the space is empty).

One concrete example: weekly yoga classes are currently held, even during exhibitions. Participants place their mats between the artworks, without moving or touching them.

It is therefore important that sufficient floor space always remains available for such uses (yoga mats, reception tables, a small stage, clothing racks for photo shoots, etc.).


Installation and Deinstallation

A limited period is provided for setting up and taking down exhibitions:

  • Set-up: Wednesday through Saturday before the Sunday opening

  • Take-down: Sunday evening through Wednesday after the closing

This keeps the space available for other uses between exhibitions.


Practical Guidelines for Installation

Interior walls and floors

  • Walls are cast concrete: no holes may be drilled (also not in the ceiling).

  • Works may not be fixed with glue, double-sided tape or similar (they leave permanent marks).

  • Tape, glue or other adhesives are also prohibited on the floor.

  • The polished concrete floor is sensitive to chemicals, acids, and fats: ensure nothing can leak.

Exterior walls and patios

  • The exterior walls are likewise made of cast concrete and painted: they may not be drilled into, and no adhesives may be used on them.

  • The square patio is often used for photo shoots. Do not place works here that interfere. Works outdoors are not protected and not insured.

  • The semi-circular patio is in principle not accessible to the public, but this is not guaranteed. Works here are also not insured.

  • In general: the visual appearance of MUZE'UM L may not be disrupted. The placement of artworks in the outdoor space is limited

Light in the space

  • Windows must not be covered (except with very transparent material). Natural light is essential.

  • Take into account strongly varying incoming light. Projections or artworks relying on weak artificial light are difficult to show to advantage in this space.

  • MUZE'UM L always provides spotlights for lighting the works. An exhibition relying solely on natural light is not possible, as the space can appear lifeless or closed at certain times.

Available equipment

  • Plinths: Around 16 white plinths available (40 × 40 × 120 cm). These show signs of use. They may only be lifted, never dragged.

  • Movable walls: Two movable partition walls on wheels (L-shaped: 2.10mx0.75mxH2.40m). A small nail may be driven into these, but holes must be repaired and, if necessary, repainted..

  • Back wall (kitchen wall): may not be used for nails or screws. A screw may possibly be placed at the top to hang a work using a small cable. If screws are used regardless, the wall must be fully repaired and repainted..

  • Curtain rails: around the space (except at the mirrors), with hooks for nylon threads to hang light works.

  • Lighting beams: 2 strong beams across the length of the room. They can be used to hang works (heavier than curtain rails but not too heavy). Two steel cross beams are available to connect them and allow hanging in the middle of the space.

  • Music: a small sound system is available. MUZE’UM L provides a soundscape by LOGOS Foundation if the artist does not. Own music may be used if it is not too repetitive, supplied as MP3, and with public performance rights cleared.


Information Corner

An information corner is provided for each exhibition, with information about MUZE'UM L, the option to donate, and newsletter sign-up. Allow for four plinths for this.

In addition, a plinth (lying flat) is permanently placed by the window next to the front door, displaying three photos and a calendar of the midday sun. An upright plinth by the front door displays the poster for the current exhibition, so that visitors know which exhibition is running and when, even outside opening hours.


Sale of Artworks

Although selling art is not our goal, it is allowed. MUZE’UM L takes a 30% commission on works sold as a result of the exhibition. This commission is collected by Juliana BV, the financial administrator of MUZE’UM L.

If works are for sale, please provide a price list with clear details of the works and prices before the opening.


Vernissage / Opening

During the vernissage (Sunday 2–5 p.m., regular opening hours), MUZE’UM L offers visitors a glass of sparkling wine, apple juice, or water. The museum provides drinks, glasses, and service.

The artist's presence is appreciated, to give visitors explanations or possibly give a speech. The artist may also invite a speaker. A performance can make the opening even more appealing, especially for artists who are not local and bring less of their own audience.

There is no PA system, but the room’s acoustics are sufficient for speakers.
A finissage is possible, but only at the artist’s initiative, who also provides any drinks if wanted.


Supervision

Staffing is provided during Sunday opening hours. Martine Platteau has fulfilled this role with great passion for more than ten years, and gives visitors explanations about MUZE'UM L and the current exhibition.

If Martine is unable to attend, a replacement is sought. In that case, the artist may be asked to be present themselves or to arrange a replacement.


Outside Opening Hours

The exhibition is open every Sunday from 2-5pm (except on Easter). Outside these hours, groups can visit the exhibition by appointment, always combined with a paid guided tour of approximately 1.5 hours.

The artist may also organise a visit themselves outside opening hours. In that case, the museum only arranges the key. If this is combined with a performance or reception, the standard rental conditions apply. Chairs, a few tables and glasses are available. Other materials must be hired externally.


Communication

MUZE’UM L handles communication modestly and with its own resources:

  • Announcements and archive of exhibitions on our website, with a link to the brochure.

  • A brochure for each exhibition, following a set format (with info on the exhibition, the artist, and MUZE’UM L).

  • About 2 weeks before the opening, the press is contacted via e-mail. The brochure is sent in Dutch and English (and French if the artist is French-speaking).

  • No posters or flyers are printed, except a few displayed at SASK Roeselare and MUZE’UM L.

  • Listings on online agendas: UITinVlaanderen, Wattedoen, Out.be, whichmuseum.com, … Through UIT the exhibitions also appear on visitroeselare.be and sometimes in the city’s cultural magazine.

  • In the week before the opening, an invitation is sent via our newsletter to about 1000 subscribers. In the week before the last opening day, we send a reminder (“last chance”).

At least 1 month before the opening, please provide:

  • A description of the work or exhibition:

    • Short version (1–2 sentences, for online agendas).

    • Extended version, explaining why the work fits MUZE’UM L (see The Muse), your inspiration, and your choices.

  • Photos of the work/exhibition (representative, high resolution, suitable for press).

  • An artist CV with contact info, optionally extended with biography, portfolio, exhibitions, collections, publications.

  • At least 1 photo of the artist.

If you communicate about the exhibition yourself, please use the brochure or official poster. If you design your own poster/flyer, do not use our logo (to avoid confusion), and always use the correct name spelling: MUZE’UM L or muze’um L (always with Z and apostrophe). Do not translate the name: Musée L is a completely different museum.


Financial matters and guarantees

The patronage provided by MUZE'UM L is limited to the infrastructure and drinks at the opening, and does not extend to any other financial contribution (for example transport, materials, special insurance). Insurance is limited to basic public liability cover. MUZE'UM L naturally does everything possible to prevent damage or theft, and provides staffing during opening hours.

In the event of damage to the building, the infrastructure or the resources provided, caused by the artist, a minimum compensation of 500 euros will be charged (for example for repairing and repainting the back wall, removing glue residue from wall or floor, removing grease stains from the floor, etc.) - or more if the actual repair costs are higher.

There is no guarantee whatsoever regarding visitor numbers, either at the opening or during the run of the exhibition. Admission is free and visitors are not counted.


Are you inspired by the MUZE'UM L, the light, the lines,...
and you would like to create and present a work 'in situ'?

Contact us!