Folded Memory
Folded Memory explores how Leuven can create space for loss, farewell, and comfort. Through art, textiles, and encounters, the project builds a city where no one has to carry their loss alone.
Grief is something we carry together
Grief leaves us speechless. But silence doesn’t have to mean loneliness. With Folded Memory, Leuven chooses to stand by those who mourn, search, or wish to help. Through textiles, art, and neighbors who listen when words fall short. The project launches in autumn 2026.
In Leuven, we make space for grief and loss. Because in difficult moments, connection with others can be a source of strength.
Folded Memory is a project within Leuven’s Comfort Program, building a city where no one has to carry loss alone—and where grief is not buried in silence.
In autumn 2026, Folded Memory brings people together around grief and comfort. Through an exhibition, lectures, and workshops across the city. Because grief is something we carry together.
Exhibition
Folded Memory celebrates its launch with a impressive exhibition from 6 December 2026 to 14 February 2027 at the KADOC Chapel and Atelier Re-Né in Leuven. Curator Karen Wuytens presents a unique blend of historical heritage and contemporary art, centered around one key question: “How does textile carry comfort?”
From Belgian artists like Berlinde De Bruyckere, Dirk Braeckman, and Laura De Coninck to international names such as Teresa Margolles and Louise Bourgeois, over 50 artists explore the many forms of textile as comfort. With attention to the diverse mourning traditions and cultures present in Leuven.
Textiles can offer comfort in ways words sometimes cannot. From a handkerchief you keep to acts like embroidery: repetitive, slow, healing. This exhibition gives those stories a voice.
Woven into the city
Folded Memory extends beyond the exhibition space. Residents of Woonzorgcentrum Edouard Remy, students from SLAC Academy, and learners from Ligo explore, each from their own perspective, how textiles can provide comfort. Additionally, there will be film screenings, workshops, and lectures.
Stories are shared. Silences become less lonely. Because we all know loss, but no one should have to face it alone.
Partners
Folded Memory is a project by City of Leuven, in collaboration with: Academie SLAC, Atelier Re-Né, KADOC KU Leuven, de Koning Boudewijnstichting, KU Leuven, LEF vzw, Ligo Centrum voor Basiseducatie, de Nationale Loterij, PXL-MAD School of Arts Hasselt, Sereni, de Vlaamse overheid en Zorg Leuven.
A project with Body & Soul
Folded Memory is part of BACKBONE, the research line within Body & Soul focused on resilience. Through art, textiles, and encounters, the project explores how people and communities can support each other when life hurts.
Body & Soul, Europe’s first Humanatorium
How can we, as human beings, truly flourish in body and mind — how can we build resilience, create places of happiness, and use movement in a world full of change? That’s the central question behind Body & Soul.