Under the banner of cultural diplomacy, the late Prof. Dr Hans De Wolf (†17/06/2024) once brought Belgian artists to Beijing, Hangzhou, Seoul, Gwangju, and Chengdu. Today, Prof. Katarzyna Ruchel-Stockmans continues his legacy. “Through cultural diplomacy, we aim to not only enhance our university's profile as an ‘Urban Engaged University’ but also strengthen the sense of community within.”
Get your ticket for the lecture 'Museums as Catalysts for Social Change' on 17 February 2025
What is Cultural Diplomacy?
Katarzyna Ruchel-Stockmans: “Cultural diplomacy is relatively new and not yet fully embedded in university life, but it is essential for making the university visible to the outside world. It helps reinforce its values by organising artistic events like exhibitions and discussions with artists. It’s fascinating to see how the vibrant artistic scene in Brussels contributes to our mission as an ‘Urban Engaged University.’
The artistic world is incredibly diverse, as it should be, but there’s a common thread that aligns closely with what VUB stands for: fostering critical reflection on societal issues. Artists often tackle the tougher themes—those on the fringes of society or involving groups that are marginalised or underrepresented in mainstream media. Their strength lies in bridging these topics with science. Artists delve into scientific research and present it to the public in accessible, engaging ways that foster involvement.
As a university, we don’t want to operate from an ivory tower. Our research seeks to understand certain societal domains and, where possible, offer solutions. But we don’t always succeed in reaching the broader public. An artist, however, can create a compelling work on the same subject and succeed in engaging people. Where we rely on strict methodologies, artists think more freely. That’s why cultural diplomacy is so vital for VUB.”
"Artists Can Make Complex Science Understandable for the Public"
Can you share an example of inspiration?
“I think of CERN, the largest European nuclear research lab in Switzerland. It’s a key scientific centre that has run an extensive artist residency programme for over a decade. Hundreds of artists have worked with physicists and engineers to explore and integrate new technologies.
This is not by chance. At a certain level, science can become so complex that even scientists benefit from involving artists to visualise their work and present it in an accessible way. As a university, we can learn from this—how important it is to use art as a (critical) mirror of society.”
Was the late Prof. Dr Hans De Wolf instrumental in realising cultural diplomacy at VUB?
“Under his guidance, numerous exceptionally valuable exhibitions were organised. I am striving to continue his work while adding my own focus. For example, I am keen to highlight the young artistic scene in Brussels, showcase artists from diverse backgrounds, explore connections between art and science, and foster international partnerships within Eutopia and with regions such as South Africa.
Currently, I am involved in supporting an exhibition by the young artist Pamela Tulizo, a project initiated by Hans but left unfinished due to his health issues. Pamela, who lives in Goma, eastern Congo, has a background in journalism. Through her project, developed during her residency at VUB, she seeks to counter the overwhelmingly negative media portrayals of Congolese women as victims of sexual violence. Instead, she spotlights women from the Congolese and broader African contexts who resisted slavery in the 16th and 17th centuries, presenting them as positive role models for future generations.
Given the scarcity of written sources from that period, Pamela draws on oral traditions and historical narratives. Her work is a testament to the power of art to reclaim and reinterpret history.”
What can we expect to see in the exhibition?
“For the exhibition, she creates staged photographs from that era, paying meticulous attention to clothing, hairstyles, and symbolism. A film documenting the making of these photographs will also be included, alongside one or more garments specially designed for the exhibition.
As part of our commitment to cultural diplomacy, we aim to support this project by first hosting the exhibition here (the date and venue are still to be confirmed). We also plan to integrate a research component before the exhibition is sent back to Goma. This return is crucial, as the primary audience for Pamela’s work is the young girls in Congo.”
“How should we address museum collections deeply tied to a country’s colonial past?”
You’re One of the Initiators of the Lecture Series Ties That Bind Us at VUB. What’s Next on the Agenda?
“That’s correct. With this series, we invite influential speakers to VUB to reflect on what still connects us in an increasingly divided society. One of our upcoming speakers is Brazilian museologist Prof. Manuelina Maria Duarte Cândido (lecture: 17/02/2025).
Prof. Duarte has lived and worked in Brazil for many years, where she developed an approach to social museology. In the postcolonial context of Brazil, this approach increasingly involves collaboration with local and Indigenous communities, who often feel unrepresented in traditional museum narratives. This ties perfectly into the broader theme of our series: What should we do with museum collections deeply tied to a country’s colonial past? Duarte’s work has transformed museums into places of connection and dialogue.
Her vision aligns with the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and their concept of the museum of the future. In ICOM’s previous definition, museums were primarily about collections. Now, the focus has shifted to museums as spaces where different societal groups can meet and engage in dialogue, whether collections are part of the conversation or not. Duarte has applied this concept in Brazil, and for us, it’s fascinating to see how this could be adapted to the Brussels context, where we also confront a complex colonial legacy.
This lecture fits seamlessly into VUB’s cultural diplomacy mission. On the one hand, it strengthens VUB’s image as a university actively engaged in societal debates while also solidifying its roots in the Brussels community. On the other hand, by hosting exhibitions and lectures, we aim to bring our students, professors, and colleagues closer together—something that’s especially needed after the isolating effects of the pandemic.”
About Katarzyna Ruchel-Stockmans
Katarzyna Ruchel-Stockmans teaches Contemporary Art, Photography, and New Media at VUB. With degrees in Art History and Philosophy from Krakow and Cultural Studies from Leuven, her PhD research at KU Leuven focused on representations of the past in contemporary art. Her current research explores lens-based media and community archives, with a focus on vernacular photography and participatory art practices.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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