With 4,277 enrolled students, the Academy and Conservatory of Kortrijk have collectively reached their highest number of registrations ever for part-time arts education (DKO). This record number confirms the growing popularity of arts education in the region.
The Conservatory saw its student numbers increase from 1,999 on October 1, 2025, to 2,148 on October 1, 2026. At the Academy, the figure rose from 2,077 to 2,129 students. This growth is evident across almost all age groups and training directions.
Within the Conservatory, there is an increase in all three domains: music, drama, and dance. Both children and young people, as well as adults, are contributing to this growth. The Conservatory's new introductory course, Prelude, aimed at adults with no prior musical knowledge finding a full program too daunting, has immediately attracted 34 participants in its first year. Furthermore, the introduction of this new course has not affected enrollment in the regular music programs, which remain well-attended.
The Academy has expanded its offerings with two new programs. The Pottery and Glazing course allows students to focus on the craft and techniques of pottery. Additionally, Initiation Drawing offers an accessible introduction to drawing, emphasizing the exploration of various materials and techniques and the development of personal visual language.
