2005/11/19 - FM BRUSSEL - TRUC-TROC - BOZAR - VICKY MICHIELSEN

Journaliste - FM Brussel

Hello Vicky Michielsen. Did it go well? Because you had a very busy weekend, if I am not mistaken. This weekend was the third edition of Truc Troc at the Centre for Fine Arts. And Truc Troc is an exhibition where artworks are exchanged. And you are the person who is going to explain the whole concept to me. What is Truc Troc, Vicky Michielsen?

Vicky Michielsen

The concept was that around one hundred artists were present. Each had one work on show for the public. Visitors put up Post-its and could offer something in exchange for the work. They wrote their offer on a Post-it and placed it next to or around the artwork. At the end of the weekend, the artist can choose the offer they liked best in exchange for their work.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

So if I come as a visitor, I look at a work I like and I think: "I could offer this in exchange." I write it on a Post-it and I put it next to the work?

Vicky Michielsen

Yes. But the point is not to give money. You had to offer something playful, something that could interest the artist.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

Something to offer in exchange, then.

Vicky Michielsen

Exactly. We had all kinds of offers. Some people offered a trip or a particular experience. Someone offered an iPod. Someone else offered to look after the artist's children for fifty hours.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

And did that artist have children?

Vicky Michielsen

Of course. The person had checked beforehand. Because the artists were all present on site as well.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

Fifty hours of babysitting is quite substantial!

Vicky Michielsen

Yes, practically several days.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

So there are about one hundred artists and therefore about one hundred works? Can you give me a few examples? Not too complicated, because our radio audience is not necessarily expert in art, Vicky. What kinds of things could be seen?

Vicky Michielsen

A number of photographs, reworked photographs, including someone who had made a kind of crown, with text still visible. And also very amusing things, caricatures, a bit of everything.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

And were they all professional artists?

Vicky Michielsen

Yes, they were all professional artists who also exhibit in galleries. But they wanted to meet the public in another way.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

It is a fine idea. A genuine artistic exchange market, where visitors offer something in return for a work. It is already the third edition. Was it a success, Vicky?

Vicky Michielsen

It was a huge success. We were very surprised, because it was the first time the event ran over two days. And we welcomed almost 10,000 people. That is enormous.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

That many people - I have never seen so many gathered at my place!

Vicky Michielsen

Yes, of course, we did not see them all at once. Visitors arrived progressively. But it was really impressive. We were very surprised. Last year we welcomed around 4,000, even at least 4,500 people in a single evening. And this time, over two days, we practically doubled the number. We would not even have dared to dream of it. So yes, it really was a great success.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

Are we also going to ask for more subsidies next year?

Vicky Michielsen

We can try.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

And next year, a fourth edition? Or do you do this every six months?

Vicky Michielsen

No, it is annual, and we are practically certain we want to do it again next year.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

A new edition, in any case. Vicky, if you ever need anything, call me. No problem at all.

Journaliste - FM Brussel

02 800 28 00, absolutely. And I say: congratulations on this fine project and have a very good day over there. Thank you! Goodbye.