On the grounds of Ghent - exposition of the urban farmlands in Ghent

General introduction

The ILVO-UGent doctorate of Hans Vandermaelen, defended in 2023, examined the (agricultural?) use of public land in East Flanders, among other things through a cartographic analysis. This led to the Ghent Museum STAM to create the exhibition 'Op Gentse Gronden' (working title). The starting point is a special historical legacy: the extensive centuries-old urban agricultural heritage of Ghent. The exhibition offers a very concrete insight into the constantly changing place of agriculture in urbanizing society, from the late Middle Ages to the present day. ILVO provides input regarding the exhibition content. 

Research approach

The exhibition programme is designed around a number of themes that explore the relationship between agriculture and urban society: heritage, food, social concerns, capital and landscape ecology. Together, the themes describe changes in the use of urban agricultural heritage in four time periods: pre-1800, 1800-1950, 1950-2000 and the 21st century. Within this long-term framework, the focus is on Ghent and the wider East Flanders region with case-related extensions in West Flanders, Zeeland Flanders and Brabant. The history of the current Ghent OCMW land patrimony has its origins in the Middle Ages when wealthy patrician families and ecclesiastical charities acquired a lot of agricultural land and farms. After the French Revolution, this patrimony came into the hands of public poor hospitals (today's OCMW).

Relevance/Valorisation

Alongside a physical exhibition at STAM (March-August 2024), an extensive series of activities will also be developed, including bicycle tours, lectures and workshops. Both are aimed at facilitating a public debate on the future relationship between agriculture and the city in the 21st century. The STAM team will provide public outreach around the exhibition, including a programme for schools. Part of the public debate and cooperation with higher education will be shaped through a collaboration with the Ghent Urban Academy.