This autumn, Kortrijk shows its boldness with DE FAIRE KIOSK, a striking installation on the Graanmarkt developed by designer Johanna Van Sichem De Combe in collaboration with Giovanni Maes. The installation, part of ‘Kortrijk Faire Gemeente’, makes local, ecological, and fair consumer choices visible and highlights entrepreneurs proving that sustainable choices go hand in hand with quality, style, and entrepreneurship.
Since 2006, Kortrijk has been a Fair municipality, underscoring the city's commitment to fair trade. During the Week of Fair Trade (October 7-17), the KIOSK becomes a contemporary mini-shop filled with objects, stories, and local addresses. The central message is clear: 'No excuses. Enough choice.'
Graphic designer Johanna Van Sichem De Combe, known for her bold visual language, collaborated with Giovanni Maes from creative studio Stugio to present sustainable consumption in an inspiring and contemporary way. Maxim Veys, alderman for Global Policy, Climate, and Sustainability, emphasizes Kortrijk's choice for BOLDNESS (LEF): 'The courage to do business differently, consume consciously, and take responsibility for tomorrow's world.'
The installation not only showcases products but also the entrepreneurs contributing to a fairer city. Visitors can discover a selection of Kortrijk businesses focused on local, ecological, and fair products, making the KIOSK a showcase of entrepreneurship with impact.
Ruth Vandenberghe, mayor, states: 'An ideal shop has a lot of BOLDNESS. An ideal city too.' She adds that sustainability doesn't have to be boring and can perfectly blend with design, taste, and character. The KIOSK monthly demonstrates how creativity and entrepreneurship reinforce each other.
Wouter Allijns, alderman for Small and Medium Enterprises, explains that Kortrijk traders daily prove that sustainable shopping aligns with quality. DE FAIRE KIOSK highlights a wide range of fair, local, and ecological products for a month, from food to fashion. Several businesses are also moving towards more sustainable fashion via the COSH! platform.
Participating businesses include Brooklyn, Confiserie Vandenbulcke, De Bokes, Fairplace, Het Huis van De Vreemde Eend, Kringloopwinkel, Maria’s Corner, Oxfam Bookshop Kortrijk, Wereldwinkel Kortrijk, X&Triek, and Zonder Meer.
More information about Kortrijk addresses where BOLDNESS is central can be found at https://www.visitkortrijk.be/nl/lokaalecofair. The Week of Fair Trade in Kortrijk was organized by Kortrijk Faire Gemeente, the Mondiale Raad, and Howest.
