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 continues to be written every single day.
A story about light in all its meanings: about the sun and the planets, about experience through architecture, through art, through calmness, through clean lines, through light and shadow, through fascination and self-reflection.

It is a story that aims to inspire all visitors: the passer-by, walker or cyclist, the exhibition visitor, newlyweds having their photos taken here, and of course, the artists. In this way, MUZE’UM L wishes to be a source of inspiration for everyone.

MUZE’UM L is a completely private project, created by Fernand Callebert and continued by his children Maarten and Bieke, supported by the entire Callebert family. We consciously choose to work without subsidies and without 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 attractive way and in dialogue with the space and the building.

We therefore always speak of in-situ exhibitions. The exhibition is designed with respect for the specific space, so that the artwork is shown to its full potential, while the power of the architecture also remains present. We aim for a synergy between artwork and space.

It is not the intention to fill the entire building. In principle, we speak of one artwork, even if it consists of several parts. It is not intended as a showcase for a complete oeuvre, nor for several works that do not form a whole. MUZE’UM L is not a gallery or a typical exhibition hall: Less is more. The architecture and space require a minimalist approach. By removing, we create focus and enhance the experience of what remains.

The MUZE’UM L team decides whether a proposal fits within the story and the space. This is a subjective choice and does not reflect the value or quality of the proposed work. The team reserves the right to request adjustments or to ask for certain works (or parts of them) to be removed in line with the in-situ approach.

Exhibition Periods

Each exhibition follows the rhythm of the seasons. A new exhibition starts on the Sunday closest to the 21st of the month (season start), with the exception of the winter exhibition, which only begins in January due to the holiday season.

  • Winter exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to January 11 or 18 (8–9 Sundays)

  • Spring exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to March 21 (10 Sundays)

  • Summer exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to June 21 (11 Sundays)

  • Autumn exhibition: starts on the Sunday closest to September 21 (12 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.

Light: each season has its own light conditions. In winter there are fewer sun hours and it gets dark quickly, but when the sun shines it shines low and strongly, from wall to wall. Less sunlight enters through the dome. In summer it is the opposite: a lot of sun and light through the dome, while the sun enters only about half a meter through the window. Spring and autumn are in between. Within a season, there is also a big change: an autumn exhibition may begin in bright sun on September 21, but end around December 7 at 5 p.m. in complete darkness.

Other Uses of the Space

As MUZE’UM L is a private project without subsidies or commercial goals, the space is also used for other activities that generate income for maintenance and further development. This may include:

  • photography (indoor and outdoor),

  • presentations or book launches,

  • small receptions,

  • intimate concerts or dance performances,

  • press events,

  • workshops, etc.

These may take place during an exhibition (without moving the artworks) or between exhibitions (in an empty space).

For example, weekly yoga classes currently take place, even during exhibitions. Participants place their mats among the artworks, without moving or touching them.

It is therefore important that enough floor space is always available for these activities (yoga mats, reception tables, a small stage, clothing racks for fashion shoots, etc.).

Installation and Deinstallation

Time for installation and deinstallation is limited:

  • Installation: Tuesday to Saturday before the vernissage (on Sunday)

  • Deinstallation: Sunday evening to Thursday after the finissage

This ensures that the space is available for other events 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).

  • Adhesive materials are not allowed on walls or floors.

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

Exterior walls and patios

  • Exterior walls are cast concrete and painted: no drilling or adhesives.

  • 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.

  • General rule: the overall appearance of MUZE’UM L must not be disturbed. Placement outdoors is very limited.

Light in the space

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

  • The space can receive a lot of light, especially when the sun shines and reflects off the white walls. Projections or works with weak artificial light are therefore difficult to present.

  • Because conditions shift from bright sunlight to darkness (e.g. at 5 p.m. in winter), spotlights are always used. Exhibitions relying only on natural light are not possible. MUZE’UM L provides all exhibition lighting.

Available equipment

  • Plinths: ~16 white plinths (40 × 40 × 120 cm). They show some wear. They must be lifted (not dragged), especially when placed horizontally. They can also be removed from the space.

  • Movable walls: 2 on wheels in an L-shape (dimensions to be confirmed). Small nails allowed, but larger holes must be filled and repainted. They can be slid to the back, but not removed.

  • Back wall (kitchen wall): wooden, no nails or screws allowed. A screw at the top edge may be used for hanging with cable. If screws are used, the wall must be restored 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

Each exhibition has a small info corner, with information about MUZE’UM L, a donation option, and newsletter sign-up. Reserve about 4 plinths for this.

At the window by the entrance door there is always 1 horizontal plinth with three photos and a calendar of the midday sun. There is also 1 vertical plinth near the entrance with the exhibition poster, so visitors can see which show 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 expected, to speak with visitors or give a short talk. The artist may also invite a speaker. A performance can add appeal, especially for artists from outside the region with less local 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

MUZE’UM L provides supervision on Sundays during opening hours. Martine Platteau has been doing this with passion for over 10 years, offering visitors a short introduction about MUZE’UM L and the exhibition.

If Martine cannot be present, a replacement will be found. The artist may be asked to be present or provide someone in this case.

Outside Opening Hours

The exhibition is open every Sunday (except Easter Sunday) from 2–5 p.m.. Outside these hours, group visits are possible by appointment, always including a guided tour of about 1.5 hours (with fee).

The artist may also arrange visits outside opening hours, entirely on their own initiative. MUZE’UM L only arranges the key. If the visit is combined with a presentation or reception, the normal rental conditions apply (with fee). Chairs, a few tables, and glasses are available. Other items must be rented 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.

Finances and Guarantees

MUZE’UM L provides the infrastructure and a drink at the vernissage, but no financial support (e.g. transport, materials, special insurance). Insurance is limited to basic liability insurance. Of course, MUZE’UM L does everything possible to prevent damage or theft and ensures supervision during opening hours.

There is no guarantee of visitor numbers, neither at the vernissage nor during the exhibition. Entrance is free and visitors are not counted.