On Ghent Land - exposition of the urban farmlands in Ghent

General introduction

The "Ghent Land" (Gentse Gronden in Dutch) exhibition (2024), a collaboration between STAM and ILVO, brought to life the history of 800 years of publicly-owned agricultural land in Ghent. It showed how this land was crucial for centuries for caring for the poor, food supply, and the link between city and countryside. The exhibition not only offered historical insights, but also served as a starting point for a broader social debate about the future of the remaining publicly-owned land.

Research approach

The exhibition was structured around four periods: from the late Middle Ages to 1800 (land as the basis for urban care), from 1800 to 1950 (formal public land with a lasting social function), from 1950 to the present day (increasing sales), and finally a look to the future. Visitors were shown historical documents, maps, and testimonials. Three public discussions, organized by ILVO, STAM, and the City Academy, deepened the debate with citizens, farmers, policymakers, and researchers.

Relevance/Valorisation

The exhibition and accompanying activities raised awareness about the value and loss of public agricultural land. The subject is now more prominently on the political agenda, with greater attention being paid to the opportunities that this land offers for sustainable urban agriculture. Gentse Gronden proved that scientific research can be shared with the general public in an accessible and impactful way through cultural collaboration.