About Us

Mission statement

The FiKVA Foundation (Figuratieve Kunst Vandaag), based in Antwerp, is a non-profit organization with a bold and clear mission: to champion contemporary realism and figurative art on a global scale. We believe in the power of skill, storytelling, and authenticity. FiKVA is here to support outstanding artists - whether emerging or established - whose work is rooted in realism, yet alive with personal vision. Our community is as diverse as it is talented: painters from every corner of the world, every stage of life, and every walk of art. At FiKVA, we don’t measure artists by commercial success, social media following, or art-world trends. We stand for excellence, originality, and commitment to the craft. Our goal is to amplify the voices and visibility of figurative artists - especially those who have been overlooked or underrepresented - and to create new pathways for their careers. Beyond supporting artists, we are building a wider cultural movement. FiKVA is committed to reawakening public interest in representational art. We aim to challenge the mainstream, spark curiosity, and give realism the platform it deserves - vibrant, respected, and undeniably present in the world of contemporary art. FiKVA is more than a foundation - it’s a growing force. One that sees you, backs you, and believes in the value of art that speaks the language of life.

What we offer

Skill-based training & masterclasses (during normal, non-pandemic times) Curated exhibitions and art events. Annual award with financial support for both emerging & established artists. Study-grants to students and emerging artists (from 2023 on). International conferences & artist-in-residence opportunities (from 2023 on). Mentoring programs & safe spaces. Platform for like-minded organizations & individuals. Partnerships with leading museums, galleries & organizations to share expertise. Gallery exposure and publishing opportunities A fast growing community of artists, educators, scholars, curators, art-admirers, collectors and writers - the FiKVA tribe.

Our values

Art education has the power to transform lives. We believe in the importance of high-quality art education - the kind that inspires the next generation to observe, create, experiment, and grow. We stand for art for all. Everyone should have access to excellent education. That’s why, through FiKVA-Support, we aim each year to back as many promising art students as our budget allows. We believe that creating new opportunities for representational artists - and empowering them - is not optional, it’s essential. An artist’s path should not be blocked by poverty or precariousness. We’re ready to go the extra mile to build alternative routes for artists of all ages, backgrounds, and career stages. We believe in artist-in-residence programs and in the importance of safe, creative spaces. Today, these spaces can be physical or digital, public or private, solitary or shared. We will continue to explore and inhabit them. But above all, we believe artists need real, physical, welcoming places - rural or urban - where they can slow down, connect, and thrive. In these spaces, they can share ideas, recharge their creative energy, and form meaningful artistic communities. We believe our artists deserve vibrant new venues. That’s why we’ll keep working closely with local authorities and cultural partners to ensure our artists gain maximum exposure and professional opportunities through every FiKVA event.