The Private Foundation Van Biesen-Mestdagh (PFVBM) is a non-profit legal entity based in Beveren (Belgium). It serves as the legal and administrative structure for the Milena principle, an interdisciplinary artistic and cultural platform. This platform initiates and supports a wide range of artistic and cultural events centered around walking as an art form and art as a nomadic, site-responsive practice, with a strong focus on long-term and international initiatives in walking arts, ecological engagement, and place-based research.
Stefaan van Biesen(B) Co-founder and president of PFVBM. Artist with a central role for walking in his practice, serving as tools for ecological and social engagement. Active with non-native speakers and refugees with language classes. He invests heavily in collaborations with artists, scientists, and multidisciplinary experts. He is managing archives for The Milena Principle. Co-founder of The Milena Principle (international art platform) and Made of Walking. Co-founder of Earth Connections, a traveling art archive. His works are held in private collections and museums across Europe, Brazil, and China, with projects in 15+ countries. His role in WALC goes throughout all work packages as one of the project managers, curatorial lead, and as well supervising web design, digital design, documentation, production and post production of the activities.
Anna Maria (Annemie) Mestdagh (B) Co-founder PFVBM, production assistant for exhibitions and art projects in Belgium and Europe within the Milena principle. Active with non-native speakers and refugees with language classes. Assists and advises artists and art organisations with media design. Trained in digital techniques and web design. For various art organisations (WIT urban Team, the Milena principle) and individual artists, she realised attributes for performances and assistance during the preparation and production. During art projects or performances she works as a collaborator and photographer. Her role in WALC goes throughout all work packages as one of the project managers, and as well supervising web design, digital design, documentation, production and post production of the activities.