The Flemish Performing Arts built up a stellar reputation abroad under the so-called 'Flemish Wave' in the 80s, with successful directors and choreogeographs such as Ivo Van Hove, Alain Platel en Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker. A great many theatre and dance companies have since risen to prominence in their wake (Ontroerend Goed, Peeping Tom, Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Laika, De Roovers,…). Flemish productions are typified by innovation, often blurring the distinctions between theatre, dance and music.
The Diplomatic Representation supports leading British Festivals that make room for Flemish productions. There are regular collaborations with prominent venues such as the Barbican, Unicorn or Sadler's Wells. When multiple Flemish companies take part, the Diplomatic Representation will often look to add an extra showcase, round table discussions or networking event in the margins, or enter into a partnership with festivals under the banner 'Focus on Flanders', such as recently with the Greenwich + Docklands International Festival and Imaginate.