the Milena principle | Made Of Walking | WALC
the Milena principle is a 'think tank' with a global vision in which people from several European countries come together. The group is made up of artists and experts from various domains and disciplines including science, ecology, alternative health therapies, literature, art history, sound art and music, architecture, technology and philosophy. Acting as an independent art platform we distinguishing ourselves by working on unconventional ways and by establishing unexpected and nomadic debates on art [source: curator Artemis Potamianou > MOMA NY & Tate London UK > Art Athina 2014].
Made of Walking is a long-term initiative of the Milena Principle, an organization operating under the umbrella of the Van Biesen–Mestdagh Private Foundation (since 2005) and based in Melsele, Beveren. Since 2016, it has brought together artists, thinkers, and communities around walking as an artistic and interdisciplinary practice.
The initiative has collaborated with art academies and universities, including the Académie des Beaux-Arts de Bruxelles, RITCS, KASK, the Academy of Fine Arts Sarajevo, and the Universities of Edinburgh, Lisbon, Minho, Girona, Athens, São Paulo, and Maine, as well as Parsons School of Design (New York), the Brooklyn Museum, the Boston Society of Architects, and the National Museum of Brasília. It is also a partner in the European Creative Europe project WALC – Walking Arts and Local Communities, together with 10 partner organizations.
Made of Walking brings together international artists in vulnerable landscapes to foster dialogue with local communities through walking and to develop environmentally sensitive artistic interventions and performances. Since its inception, more than 1,000 artists have participated in the initiative across various countries.
Originating in Melsele, the initiative evolved from local exhibitions and activities (including Hof ter Saksen, Cortewalle, Meulenberg, and Hof ter Welle) into a strong national and international network, with presentations at institutions such as S.M.A.K. and major walking-art gatherings and festivals in Greece, Cyprus, France, Portugal, and Spain.
In 2026–2027, the initiative will come to Beveren–Prosperpolder with a week of artist residencies developed in dialogue with local residents and organizations in Beveren; a working visit by the 10 European partners (in September 2026); a symposium and exhibition exploring walking as a methodology; contributions by higher education students; and a four-day public event in Prosperpolder featuring international artists and researchers (in May 2027). The programme will be accompanied by a publication and a video documentary.
