The Story
So Far

From a storytelling career to mechanical art — the journey of a Belgian automata maker.

News

September 2025

Festival MIJN/KRACHT in Heusden-Zolder

The Automata Carrousel returns to Belgium for an afternoon performance. September 21, 14:00–18:00.

July 2025

HoetchieKoeFestival, Netherlands

Expo with some automata in Varseveld, Netherlands. July 6, 14:00–19:00.

July 2021

World Première at Les Machines de l'île

The Automata Carrousel celebrates its world première in Nantes, France, at the legendary Les Machines de l'île.

2019

International Touring Begins

The Automata Carrousel starts its international touring schedule, bringing mechanical storytelling to audiences across Europe.

History

2021

World Première — Les Machines de l'île, Nantes

On 2, 3 and 4 July 2021, the Automata Carrousel had its world première at the legendary Les Machines de l'île in Nantes, France. A milestone in Geert's career and a thunderous reception from audiences and critics alike.

2020

Construction of the Carrousel

With support from Flanders State of the Art, Geert builds the 11-lodge Automata Carrousel installation — the most ambitious project of his career.

2017

First International Exhibitions

Individual automata pieces begin touring European festivals, introducing international audiences to Geert's mechanical storytelling.

2014

The Discovery

At fifty, Geert Hautekiet discovers that he can combine his storytelling career, scenography work, passion for tribal art, and love for mechanics into a singular art form: the automaton.

pre–2014

A Life of Storytelling

Belgian storyteller, scenographer, Industrial Designer, music- and theatermaker. The long road to automata.