Mission

Since it was founded in 1987, VTi (Vlaams Theater Instituut) has developed into an open organisation with strong links to both the sector itself and the policy-makers. The reason for its existence is the need for sound information among the public, theatre professionals, politicians, students, press and academics. On performing artists and their work. On cultural policy and stage matters. On international work. On developments and trends. On infrastructure, distribution and art education.

VTi wants to provide all this information in a broad range of easy-to-use resources. To this end it currently fulfils three main functions: documentation, research and interaction. Its intention is in this way to contribute to the ongoing growth of the sector and help build a social environment for artistic creation.

Documentation Centre for Theatre, Dance and Music-Theatre
VTi assumes responsibility for the intensive documentation of performing arts practices. The sector and its context are observed, artistic and policy-making developments are recorded, sorted and made accessible by means of the extensive database, library and website.

Sectorial Think-Tank in a Varied and International Flanders
Applied research is a major component of VTi’s work because it converts the information in the database and collections into a useful form. The research is applied to actual practices by means of descriptive and analytical fieldwork. In this regard, the performing arts are not simply the object of research, but also play an active part in shaping opinion.

Critical Interface between Theatre-Makers, the Public and the Policy-Makers
VTi is a place for knowledge, study and also vision. It is for this reason that it sets debates going, and wants to create a dialogue with the field of the performing arts. Research and new insights are presented as feedback to the sector on the website, in publications and the Courant information booklet, through the library and at study sessions. The chief concerns here are reflexive dialogue, practical usefulness and an overview of the broader picture.

In all these activities VTi links current events in the performing arts to long-term projects. At the moment, for example, special attention is being focused on a thorough analysis of artistic practices and oeuvres, on public participation (concentrating on art education, distribution and criticism) and on the challenge of international and intercultural cooperation.

In attachment, you can our policy plan for the period 2010-2013.