Arts Center De Werf, Bruges

De Werf was a prominent arts center located in Bruges, known for its vibrant contributions to the jazz scene and performing arts. Established as both an arts venue and a jazz record label named W.E.R.F., De Werf gained recognition in the Belgian cultural landscape. In 2002, the label made a significant impact with the release of "The Finest of Belgian Jazz," an eleven-CD box set featuring acclaimed groups such as Greetings from Mercury, Aka Moon, the Brussels Jazz Orchestra, and Kris Defoort. This release underscored De Werf's importance in promoting Belgian jazz talent.

A key figure in De Werf's success was Rik Bevernage, whose efforts were acknowledged when he received an award at the 2002 Golden Django ceremony. The arts center was not just a hub for jazz; it also hosted a range of theatrical productions and children’s events, boasting its concert hall where numerous jazz bands performed.

In 2017, a significant transformation occurred when De Werf merged with Vrijstaat O from Ostend to form KAAP, marking the creation of the first regional arts center in Flanders. This new entity combined the strengths of both organizations to enrich the cultural offerings in both Bruges and Ostend. KAAP now operates at multiple locations, including De Groenplaats in Bruges, where artists and young performers focus on their creative processes, and De Werf, which remains a lively venue for theatre and jazz.