Dirk SturtewagenWaerbeke vzw

Founder and director of Waerbeke, an ngo in Belgium which fosters and promotes the experience of
silence, tranquillity and space among the widest
public possible. Since 2011 the organization has
been recognized by the Flemish government as a
socio-cultural movement.
Waerbeke works on an empirical basis. Its aim
is to connect people, places and practices. As a
movement it creates a ‘contact zone’ between
government, professional and volunteer
intermediaries, numerous organizations,
companies, and the general public.
Waerbeke’s approach to silence starts from a broad
view of man and society. Silence can be measured
acoustically but its effect can only be experienced.
In that sense, silence is also always a cultural asset.
Waerbeke believes in the creative and connective
capacity of silence, tranquillity and space, and so
contributes to a community that puts value on
diversity and dialogue, simplicity and genuine
attention.
Waerbeke informs and raises awareness, offers
training and support, organizes meeting days and
campaigns, and with various partners carries out
action on the theme of silence, tranquillity and
space in Flanders, Brussels and the Netherlands.