Astrid David

Astrid David creates exhibitions in locations and contexts in flux. She is emotionally involved with her subject matter and accordingly selects artists who create impact with a multitude of manifestations. Recurring themes are heritage, diversity and engagement. Specialties? Keeping the balance between art and care, switchbacks, small-scale work and volunteer management. Her motto: "Getting better is not for wimps. After her training in social-cultural work (1997, Arteveldehogeschool), Astrid obtains a degree in art sciences (2001, Ghent University). She starts her career in cultural policy but gradually focuses on the art sector from 2004 onwards. Astrid organizes her first group exhibition, "Persévérance", at the Godshuis in Sint-Laureins. She then becomes an assistant at the André Simoens Gallery from 2006. In 2009, she becomes seriously ill. In 2012, Astrid undergoes a stem cell transplant to overcome a relapse of leukemia. The heavy treatment leads to a life-threatening rejection reaction, resulting in many years of rehabilitation.  During the initial recovery period she runs spread out activities, such as workshops in the kidney dialysis of AZ Maria Middelares, solo exhibitions in her living room and in the waiting room of health care providers. Meanwhile, she bundles the various activities in a platform for art and care, vzw David. Since 2019, Astrid David has an art plan ready for the working-class neighborhood Brugse Poort with the following approach. In 1821, the first Flemish metal factory, Le Phoenix, came into being. Two hundred years later, vzw David raises this history with a project about metal, textile and the meaning of the Phoenix in our lives..