Don't make art, make war!

Backstory: A revealing survey

In consultation with the student council, a group of students from KASK & Conservatorium launched an internal survey. The results revealed a disturbing truth: the majority do not feel prepared for the growing geopolitical tensions, and current art education falls short in providing tools for times of conflict. After all, with our current art education, we are nowhere in the ‘America First’ era.

As art students, we no longer wish to be seen as subsidy-suckers, safely nestled in the hammock of artist status. We no longer wish to stage artistic protests from the sidelines; we want to make a meaningful contribution. That is why we are taking matters into our own hands and seeking ways to truly fight for our country.

We are not doing this alone.

An unexpected collaboration

Students from KASK & Conservatorium Gent are launching a unique, structural and operational collaboration with the Royal Military Academy (KMS). What began as a simple survey has since developed into an inspiring partnership.

The proposal includes guest lectures on military strategies, supplemented by hands-on workshops led by KMS instructors — including physical training and firearms training under professional supervision. In return, fine art students will engage in the development of thought-provoking visual and performative projects to support defence campaigns.

In addition, we advocate a radical overhaul of the curriculum within art programmes, whereby artistic education is supplemented with military training.

The first results of this collaboration can be discovered at the open day on 27 April. More than just a viewing opportunity, this is a call to action. To students, artists, thinkers, performers and organisers. This is an invitation to dialogue. To engagement. To action.

What can you expect?

• Official celebration of the collaboration between KASK & Conservatorium and the Royal Military Academy
• Panel discussion: “The art of making war”: between Graphic Design students (KASK & Conservatorium) and students from the Department of Conflict Studies (Royal Military Academy)
• Workshop on strategic communication and tactical action in times of Russian threat.
• Admire the art installation that highlights the collaboration.

We would like to ask you to help spread the word about this truly unique collaboration. On behalf of the students of KASK & Conservatorium, represented by Katrijn Ooms, and the Student Council, represented by Renaat De Keyser, we invite you to the very first public event marking this historic alliance.

Come along to the KASK & Conservatoire open day on Sunday 27 April 2025 and discover the first tangible results of a collaboration that brings together the artistic and military worlds.

For those who wish to learn more about the background and future of this initiative, visit the website military-kask-rma.be – there you will find, among other things, the full results of the internal student and staff survey, updates on future projects and a short video clip.