The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) has partnered with the Flow Festival, a three-day celebration of polyphony in all its forms. Music, literature, philosophy, gastronomy and public debate come together in a unique exploration of multiple voices and perspectives. Through this partnership, the VUB reaffirms its commitment to critical thinking, dialogue and social engagement. Across various venues in Ostend, the festival brings together voices from the cultural, political and civic spheres. This exchange of diverse perspectives makes the event particularly relevant at a time when nuance, conversation and democratic dialogue are more important than ever.
De Grote Post in Ostend
PACT debate on polyphonic thinking and democracy
As a festival partner, the VUB will host a debate at De Grote Post on Saturday 20 June. Moderated by Koert Debeuf, the discussion will bring together John Crombez, Yasmine Kherbache, Marc Van den Bossche and Khalid Benhaddou to explore polyphonic thinking, democracy and philosophy. Drawing on contemporary social and philosophical questions, the speakers will examine how a plurality of voices can contribute to a resilient democratic society. How can we move beyond entrenched camps and claims of absolute certainty? What does polyphonic thinking mean today? And how can different perspectives strengthen rather than exclude one another? The debate forms part of PACT – the Pauwels Academy for Critical Thinking, an initiative that brings together people who believe that critical thinking and open dialogue are essential for meaningful social change.
Poetry, music and conversation by the sea
On Sunday 21 June, the VUB will open its doors as part of the festival. The university’s Ostend campus will host “AperoPoetry: The Musical History of Ostend”, organised in collaboration with De Auteurs. Tijmen Govaerts and Hans Depelchin will guide visitors through an inspiring morning of poetry, music and conversation. The featured guest will be Kurt Van Eeghem, renowned for his passion for Ostend and its rich cultural heritage.
Building bridges between art, science and society
The Flow Festival is an initiative of Dionysos Now!, which aims to build bridges between early and contemporary music while introducing a broad audience to polyphony in all its forms. For the VUB, this ambition closely aligns with its own mission: connecting science and scholarship with society, while creating space for critical reflection, dialogue and meaningful encounters.
