European Outsider Art Association

In August 2009 the first association for European outsider art was founded at a first general assembly at Museum Dr. Guislain, Belgium. This establishment is the result of a yearlong shared appeal to strengthen the voice of outsider art by improving intercultural cooperation and dialogue across the European borders.

The association operates as an umbrella organisation for all cultural workers devoted to the promotion of marginalised art in the European cultural sector. The primary objectives of the association are to:

create a favourable environment for those in this field willing to share experience, exchange good practice and set up partnerships at a transnational level
collect knowledge and share out information on activities and movements in the international outsider art scene
contribute to the shaping, development and implementation of national and European policies and legislation
create a forum for promoting, exploring and debating the history and contemporary state of outsider art
promote the rights of outsider artists

Mission:

To connect European outsider art

To stimulate international cooperation and dialogue

To influence cultural policies and education

To promote the continuation of outsider art history

To protect the rights of outsider artists

Home

The Art Brut Biennial will be held in Hengelo for the sixth time from May 9th to 17th, 2026. The Art Brut Biennial Foundation's central goal is to provide a professional platform for Art Brut art—art by artists with neuro-diverse backgrounds—and thus give artists the appreciation and recognition they deserve. Furthermore, the Art Brut Biennial Foundation aims to be a connecting force in new partnerships between participating healthcare and art institutions, ensuring that the practice of this specific art is safeguarded and can continue to develop.
The Art Brut Biennial in Hengelo is and remains the largest art exhibition of its kind in Europe. In 2026, many contributions from abroad will also be coming alongside the Dutch contribution. Museums and studios in various European countries have been visited, and appointments have been made. We therefore expect to see work from countries including Japan, Iran, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, France, and Germany. Our ambition is to further professionalize the biennial and increase its quality, thus becoming an international leader. This gives the Netherlands a unique and distinctive event within its walls.

Art Brut | Nieuws National conference during the Art Brut Biënnale.

The general conference and annual assembly of the European Outsider Art Association will take place in Hengelo from May 10th to 13th during the 2026 Art Brut Biennial. We are honored to organize this international gathering and expect a strong turnout from all participating countries.