de Velde
Bokrijk, partner of the Henry van de Velde Awards
Bokrijk has been connected with the Henry van de Velde Awards as a partner for several years. What makes this partnership so important? And how is VAKlab committed to innovation, design and craftsmanship? We spoke about this with Igor Philtjens, President of Domein Bokrijk vzw and Deputy of Tourism and Heritage Limburg.
The last few years, Bokrijk has been on the rise in terms of image. What role does VAKlab play in this?
Igor Philtjens: Bokrijk tells the story of yesterday, tomorrow, and the day after. Over time, for some, Bokrijk has become synonymous with a solidified past, the opposite of action and evolution. That image is no longer true… Bokrijk is in the ‘now’ more than ever and in full swing. With the help of curator Bart Lens, Bokrijk has been working in a straight line towards the future since 2014. Combined with a large-scale restoration project, Bokrijk is future-proof for future generations. A number of notable initiatives bear witness to this, such as the creation of the Campus of Craftsmanship with its studio setup. We do this together with designers, but also with makers and companies, such as fashion designer Tim van Steenbergen, chef Kobe Desramaults, furniture designer Frits Jeuris, and journalist Veerle Windels. Thanks to them, we ‘dusted off’ Bokrijk through our craftsmanship operation.
In recent years, we have effectively opened the door to innovation, co-creation, and creativity, without losing respect for our values. VAKlab plays an important role in the recent rise of Bokrijk. VAKlab, founded in 2017, is a platform within Bokrijk that focuses on contemporary craftsmanship, innovation, and entrepreneurship. It aims to support craftsmanship, inspire new generations of makers, and bridge the gap between craftsmanship and contemporary innovation. With our VAKlab operation, we prove that you can foster entrepreneurship and innovation from the knowledge and expertise you collect as a museum.
Why do you support the Henry van de Velde Awards?
Igor Philtjens: In recent years, we have reinvented ourselves and are giving a contemporary and innovative interpretation to craftsmanship. We do this by building bridges: between the past, present, and future, between domains and disciplines, and between craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. That’s why VAKlab supports the Henry van de Velde Awards. These awards highlight the importance of innovation, design, and craftsmanship in Flanders, which is closely aligned with VAKlab’s mission.
By supporting these awards, VAKlab shows its commitment to promoting craftsmanship that is not only traditional, but also innovative. This is in line with VAKlab’s ambition to connect craftsmanship with contemporary design trends.
“In recent years, we have opened the door to innovation, co-creation and creativity, without losing respect for our values.”
What was the idea that sparked the BKRK Award you organise every year?
Igor Philtjens: The BKRK Award is an important part of our journey. It aims to challenge, support, and guide creative talents and professionals along their path to entrepreneurship. The 2025 theme is ‘raw materials’. VAKlab calls on enterprising creatives to approach craftsmanship from the present, based on techniques from the past, while keeping an eye on innovation and relevance.
Although there is no cash prize attached to it, the individual guidance we offer our candidates is invaluable. VAKlab offers those selected not only a network, but also one-on-one coaching. Meanwhile, Flanders DC has become a fixture on the jury.
