BAM is the Flemish institute for visual, audiovisual and media art. BAM is an independent and intermediary structure, which is positioned between the field and the policy. From a base of in-depth knowledge of both the field and the policy, it provides information, furthers development, collaboration and networking - both within the field and crossing boundaries into other disciplines and fields - and it is in dialogue with the various governments. BAM is no interest group and, contrary to the government, is no channel for subsidies.
BAM was created by the fusion of the foundation for audiovisual arts (Initiative Audiovisual Arts IAK) and the foundation for visual arts (Initiative Visual Arts IBK). In December 2001, IAK and IBK were created as the result of an initiative by the Flemish government. Until the end of 2005, they were subsidised ad nominatim. Currently, institutes such as IBK and IAK are subsidised under the Arts Flemish Parliament Act and their working is set in a collaboration agreement for four years. In January 2007, the Flemish Minister for Culture, Youth, Sports and Brussels Bert Anciaux announced that the institutes for audiovisual arts and visual arts would be joined in one large foundation. With a new action plan and a series of ambitious goals, BAM wants to give a new impulse to the three fields of expressive, audiovisual and media art.
What does BAM do?
BAM informs and documents, stimulates and researches
BAM offers knowledge and information to people and organisations to allow them to work professionally. In addition, BAM documents the players and practices within the field. In order to distribute that information and documentation as efficiently and widely as possible, together with the industry, BAM develops various web platforms and online databases.
BAM also starts various debates, such as on supporting creation, on positioning and mutual networking, or on the importance of memory and reflection. BAM stimulates international collaboration and new possibilities for public work and education. Finally, loads of news opportunities are given to the arts by starting a dialogue about social issues, such as diversity and e-culture, and with other industries like science and technology, education and economy.
In order to fulfil the role of driving force and catalyst, BAM does practice-aimed research into the diverse players and the functions they take upon themselves. This way, research, analysis and dialogue help to support, further develop and socially integrate the work and policy fields, both in the short and in the long run.