In 1978, a group of artist friends in Mol (Belgium) started a deliberate promotion of watercolor painting.
The Kempische Watercolor Association vzw has since set up several successful salons, festivals, promotional exhibitions and workshops. In 1999, the foundation's name was replaced by the Watercolor Institute of Belgium vzw to internationalize the operation. The association focuses on the professional and non-professional practice of the medium of watercolor. The 250 members of the association reside in Belgium and the Netherlands.