The Bulletin - Brussels in English

Alice Gallery is celebrating 20 years as part of the Brussels art scene with a move to a new location and an anniversary show featuring 25 artists. Co-founders Alice van den Abeele and Raphaël Cruyt give us a recap on their twenty years of glocal gallery ownership and on the recent demise of their wonderful ten year old museum the MIMA (Millennium Iconoclast Museum of Art.) https://www.alicebxl.com/

EntreprendreBruxelles wants you to know about all the great shops, restaurants and services available in Brussels City. They recently held an event at city hall where we spoke with Project Manager Katia Jacques-Serres as well as representatives of some of the businesses. www.entreprendrebruxelles.be www.ondernemenbrussel.be

The House of European History's latest exhibition Presence of the Past - A European Album, gives us an innovative look at how Europeans interact with their past. Curator Simina Bădică, explains how the photo exhibition comprising 27 photographic projects from 14 countries lets us see the many different ways people deal with the past. http://historia.europa.eu/

It's time for the 28th edition of the Brussels Short Film Festival (BSFF) bringing us the best in short films from around the world with an accent on freedom. Co-founder Céline Masset brings us up to date on what's in store. www.bsff.be

The Fondation Folon has a new show entitled Drawing Room featuring 150 works of art by Folon and eleven artists who inspired him. The exhibition is an intimate look at the creative process. Exhibition director Pauline Loumaye tells us what we can expect to experience both in the show and at the foundation's magnificent estate. Through 31 August. https://fondationfolon.be

Among the many many film festivals that take place in Brussels and Belgium, the Festival Kinolatino stands out for its purpose, which is to bring Latin American movies in all their forms to Belgium where they are not distributed. Festival organizer and film maker César Diaz tells us what to expect. 11 to 19 April 2025 https://kinolatino.be/

With spring busting out all over, bike rides in the countryside so close to Brussels come to mind. Of the many choices available, Zafi Cycles offers a unique bicycle. All their frames are made entirely of wood which means that the ride is extra comfortable due to the anti-vibration properties of wood which is great news for cobblestone rides. Founder Simon Malvaux explains his product. www.zaficycles.be

Downtown Brussels' splendid but rather unknown 19th century covered gallery has been all spiffd up and given a partially new vocation. There are still shops catering to aficionados of rare and old books but there is now also a gourmet culinary dimension. Creator Thierry Goor explains how it works.

It's the centenary of Art Deco in Brussels and it's being celebrated all year long with many events. BANAD Festival (Brussels Art Nouveau Art Deco) is kicking things off during the last three weekends in March but there is much more. An Persoons, the Secretary of State of the Brussels Region in charge of urbanism and heritage fills us in. https://www.visit.brussels/fr/visiteurs/agenda/event-detail.Art-Deco-2025.5700005917 https://www.banad.brussels/en/

French photographer François Bellabas, who works in Paris and  California, has taken over the Contretype Gallery with his unique photographic creations that combine photos with digital technologies to produce a remarkable ever changing immersive experience he calls Unloadingoverdrive. He tells us a bit about how it works. Through 23 March www.contretype.org

Kim Oosterlinck, the new director of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium describes the current shows and how they illustrate his plans for the future. https://fine-arts-museum.be/en

Anima, the venerable and highly regarded animated film festival is back with its 44th edition. The theme this year is Dreams and Co-Director Karin Vandenrydt explains  what that entails. 28 February - 9 March www.animafestival.be

FestiVita, the Brussels Early Music Festival is back with twelve days of concerts and other unexpected and interesting events celebrating early music with a salute to the Serene Republic of Venice and its three century reign of art and culture. Organizer Rafael Núñez lays out the details. www.festivita.be

Kevin Brooking, professional clown, is the co-founder of the Belgian branch of Clowns Without Borders. He brings us up to date on what the humanitarian group has been up to recently., including a mission to the  prisons of Madagascar. cmsf.be

There's a new hotel in town that promises art, creativity and relaxation. Talia Butt, the owner of Jill Hotel tells us what's special about her project. https://www.jillhotel.com/en/ 

It's the 70th edition of BRAFA, the highly regarded art fair that covers millennia of art divided into twenty specialities including Old Master paintings; classical African art, antique and designer furniture, goldsmithery, carpets and textiles, rare books and jewelry. Tobias Desmet, Secretary General of the fair and also an exhibitor, fills us in on the details. www.brafa.art 26 January to 2 February 

Bruxelles Laïque; which has been supporting secular humanism in Brussels for almost 50 years has taken over the Théâtre des Variétés, an iconic movie palace which could seat over 2,000 spectators in a room large enough to accomodate the legendary Cinerama screen. In its heyday in the 1930's it was considered  one of the most modern theatres with a turning stage, a rising orchestra pit, a roof that opened and was the first movie theatre to be completely illuminated by neon lights. Converting the theatre into the multi-use vision of Bruxelles Laïque while maintaining the large space was the main challenge. Ricardo Flores and Eva Prat, the architects of the restoration project, tell us how they tackled the challenge. http://www.bxllaique.be/

The Comic Art Museum is presenting an in-depth temporary exhibition entitled Reality in Comics which traces the evolution of some comic book artists into journalists. Communications Director Tine Anthoni explains what is going on. https://www.comicscenter.net/en/home

The Atomium is developing a series of temporary light and sound shows in various parts of the building. Currently there are four shows on display. The latest is Echoes of Distant Lights by Brussels light artist and founder of Magicstreet Antoine Goldchmidt, who worked with Brussels musician Ofer Smilansky to create a wonderland of lights and sounds using various sources and inspirations including the metallic structure of the Atomium and images sent to us by the Hubble and James Webb telescopes. The two artists tell us how they collaborated to achieve the result. www.atomium.be 

Author Myriam Leroy has come up with a very interesting way of dealing with cyberbullying. It involves getting one's artist friends together and doing a show. The show is at the politically engaged that's what x said Gallery in the Marolles. Rébecca Prosper, co-director explains how it works. https://thatswhatxsaid.com/en/ 6 Dec - 26 Jan

Changemakers, a new exhibition at the  Parlamentarium deals with the various approaches and strategies used by contemporary art to address social and political issues that concern European citizens. The selection of pieces from the European Parliament's Contemporary Art Collection focuses on artists whose respective careers attest to a certain attitude of rebellion against political and social situations that could limit or threaten freedom of thought and expression. Curator Oscar Muñoz Sanchez gives us the details. Through 16 February 2025 (Brussels) https://art-collection.europarl.europa.eu/en/exhibitions/changemakers/

L'Ouvroir is a social workplace that provides jobs for people with disabilities. When the Bourse (the old stock exchange building) was restored l'Ouvroir saved almost 6 cubic meters of solid oak flooring from the building and brought together artists and those with disabilities to create new functional or decorative objects. They will be on display (and for sale) this week. Director Damien Logghe gives us the details. 29 November to 8 December 2024 https://www.l-ouvroir.be/

The 2025 edition of the Brussels Cultural Hotlist 100 Guide is out and publisher Guy de Bellefroid tells us about some of the over 20,000 events taking place in Brussels in 2025. https://www.fondationpourlesarts.be/fr

Sang Hoon Degeimbre, one of the most celebrated contemporary Belgian chefs, whose starred and acclaimed restaurant l'Air du Temps has reached a top position in general esteem, has opened a new  restaurant, in Brussels this time, at the newly restored Gare Maritime at Tour & Taxis. It's called Correspondance in a nod to its travel location and is conceived as a combination of a bistro and a brasserie. We spoke with San Degeimbre opening night and he explained his concept. www.correspondance.brussels

Two 19th century mansions on the Boulevard Marnix have been restored and renovated and joined together to create what they are calling the smallest grand luxury hotel. Architect Julie Scandolo tells us what meticulous work was necessary to modernise the structures while preserving and restoring the original elements. https://origin.eu/en/projects/marnix

The 2024 flower carpet is the stuff of memories but in case you missed it here's Océane Cornille, this year's carpet designer, to tell us how, as a street artist , she took on the task of designing a flower carpet, a very different medium. Her carpet was also the first to use dahlias rather than begonias and that affected her design as well. https://www.brussels.be/flower-carpet

The Design Museum Brussels is holding two concurrent exhibitions on women in design. One, in conjunction with the Vitra Design Museum is entitled Here We Are! Women in design, 1900 - Today and the other one is Untold Stories - Designers femmes en Belgique 1880-1980. Curators Nina Steinmüller and Katerina Serulus tell us what to expect. designmuseum.brussels 

There's a new way to go out to dinner in Brussels. It's called Emile à la Dalle (Emile is Hungry) and it involves changing restaurants for each course and not knowing each destination until you are on your way. Co-founder Thierry d'Otreppe tells us how it works. https://www.emile.brussels

In a career that spanned eight decades. American photographer Elliott Erwitt created a body of work that includes many genres. Elliot Erwitt A Retrosective is currently on view at the Grand' Place. This is a must see exhibition and, since dogs were an important part of his work, to celebrate World Animal Day on October 4th, visitors will be able to enjoy the show with their dogs (signing up beforehand required). Exhibition director Isabel Benoit describes the event for us. www.expo-elliotterwitt.com

Jules François Crahay is a forgotten genius of XXth century fashion who was known as the Belgian Christian Dior. The Brussels Fashion & Lace Museum is currently presenting a  richly appointed first ever retrospective of his work entitled Back to the Spotlight. Head of Exhibitions and Publications Nicolas Lor tells us all about the not to be missed exhibition. https://www.fashionandlacemuseum.brussels/en/ Until 10/11/24.

With over 100 events and locations the 18th edition of Brussels Design September underscores the important position design has in Brussels' economy. Until September 30th you will be able to go to exhibitions, visit stores and studios, have personal encounters, attend lectures, workshops, and openings, in a showcase of Belgian excellence as well as a participation of Prague's most innovative design projects. Event manager Elizabeth Djam tells us what to expect. designseptember.be

Helena Buckinx has been writing for a long time, she joined us at this year's writefest.be and also for this podcast on the journey she took to complete her book and her poignant sweet paintings.

Lisa Martin has been the President of the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand and now writes from Denmark we talk all things journalism, books and new cultures.

We are thrilled that Tony Connelly will join us in Leuven, in October, at the Writers Festival and his book 'Brexit and Ireland: The Dangers, Opportunities, the Inside Story of the Irish Response.

Author of the narrative biography 'Pyrros, with my first name', Niko talks to us from Athens about how this book came about, and the emblematic life of the celebrated Olympian Pyrros Dimas.

Visit Brussels is making a major investment in Queer Destinations. Rika Jean-François, the head of International Business Relations for QD explains what they do and why Visit Brussels' participation is so special. https://queerdestinations.com/

Every so often Valérie Lepla, owner and creator of the iconic Brussels restaurant Pistolet Original, asks a favorite chef to create a special pistolet. This time around she asked Nicolas Misera of Restaurant Misera in Antwerp to do the honors. He explains what he has concocted for a cool sensation, a pistolet based on the local sea's bounty. www.pistolet-original.be https://nicolasmisera.com/

After a thirty year meticulous restoration, the 144 year old commercial passageway connecting the rue Neuve with the Place de Brouckère is inaugurating its refound splendor with the exposition of urban wildlife photographer Thomas Jean's show entitled Sauvage. He tells us all about the rich wildlife to be found in Brussels which he has captured on film. http://www.passagedunord.be/index.php/fr/en www.laminutesauvage.be

Imagine!:100 Years of International Surrealism is the Royal Museum of Fine Arts' major exhibition to salute the centenary of surrealism and the last of this year's mega shows on the subject to close so you can still catch this exceptional exhibition until July 21. Head Curator Francisca Vandepitte explains the thinking behind the museum's take on the anniversary. https://fine-arts-museum.be/en/exhibitions/imagine

The Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) is back with a plethora of the latest of the best International and Belgian movies and a sprinkling of much loved classics. Festival Artistic Director Céline Masset tells us all about it. https://briff.be/en/ June 25 to July 3 2024

The ULB is presenting Biladi Belgica, an itinerant exhibition of photos celebrating 60 years of Moroccan immigration to Belgium. The exhibition is currently mounted across downtown Brussels after which it will go to the ULB campus, and then to Morocco. Curator Ahmed Medhoune tells us the history behind the exhibition. Through  21 July 2024 in downtown Brussels. https://belgica-biladi.ulb.be/

In a city filled with remarkable Art Deco buildings the Villa Empain stands out as the high point. The Boghossian Foundation has restored it to its former glory and has made it not only a museum which aims to connect East and West through its exhibits, but also a convivial place with events that bring people together. Communications Director Caroline Schuermans tells all about this summer's events both inside the museum but also in the lovely garden and around the spectacular outdoor swimming pool. https://villaempain.com/en/the-boghossian-foundation/the-villa-empain/ 

BOZAR's contribution to the array of museum exhibitions celebrating the centenary of Surrealism is: Surrealism in Belgium: It's No Laughing Matter. The show is composed of a stellar collection of works of art brought together for the occasion including works by Paul Nougé, René Magritte, Jane Graverol, Marcel Mariën, Rachel Baes, Leo Dohmen, Paul Delvaux, Max Ernst, Yves Tanguy, Salvador Dalí, Georgio de Chirico, and many others. Curator Xavier Canonne explains the various factors that influenced surrealism in Belgium and abroad. If you haven't seen it yet, schedule a visit soon, as the show closes June 16th. https://www.bozar.be/en/calendar/histoire-de-ne-pas-rire-surrealism-belgium

To celebrate the centenary of Surrealism, there have been a number of special exhibitions in various museums in Brussels. One of them is coming to a close on  June 2nd so if you haven't been to the Royal Library of Belgium (KBR) to see their fascinating show James Ensor: Inspired by Brussels, do yourself a favour and go before it's too late. Daan van Heesch, the curator of the Department of Prints and Drawings at the KBR explains how Ensor, known as " painter from Ostend" had very strong ties to Brussels and how, though he was not a surrealist, he claimed to be an inspiration to the Surrealists. https://www.kbr.be/en/agenda/expo-ensor/ February 22 to June 2 2024

There are over 80 artisanal bakeries in Brussels but it's not always easy to find them. Luckily for us, journalist Géry Brusselmans created the website Tartine et Boterham which supplies all the information you need to be able to eat the best bread and pastries available; He also puts out a guide and the 2024 issue came out recently. We spoke with Brusselmans at the launch party for this year's edition. www.tartine-et-boterham.be

There's a new museum in downtown Brussels: The Museum of Infinite Realities (MOIR) in which the visitor calls a lot of the shots; so it's immersive but also reactive. Co-founder Kristian Gilroy explains how  visitors become the hero of their own visit. https://www.museumofinfiniterealities.com/en

The role of the arts during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), which devastated large parts of Europe, lies at the heart of an international exhibition at the House of European History. The exhibition Bellum et Artes (War and Art) demonstrates how the warring parties used the arts as a propaganda tool and to show off their power. In the midst of a brutal war that cost millions of lives, works of art became ambassadors of peace. Bellum et Artes is part of a Europe-wide cooperation involving a dozen institutions from seven countries. The project is led by the Leibniz Institute for the History and Culture of Eastern Europe (GWZO) and the Dresden State Art Collections (SKD). Curator Jitka Mlsova describes what the visitor will experience. https://historia.europa.eu/en/exhibitions-events/temporary-exhibitions Through 12 January 2025

At the crossroad of art, curatorial practices, architecture, graphics, typography and cartography, the Belgian pavilion at the Venice Biennale features UNESCO recognised giants from Belgium, Northern France and Spain, 15 feet tall and made of wicker, fabric and papier-mâché, dancing and twirling thanks to dedicated giant carriers. The collective The Petticoat Government, a group of multidisciplinary artists has created this year's Belgian participation and members of the collective explain what they are up to. https://wbarchitectures.be/en/news/Belgian-Pavilion-at-Venice-Biennale-2024-/1384/

11 days, 3 competitions, 48 programs, 300 films, 76 screenings and much more! It's the 27th edition of the Brussels Short Film Festival (BSFF) and it's back with much loved categories such as the all night session, the very very short shorts and the open air sessions, as well as some new categories. Co-founder and director Céline Masset brings us up to date. www.bsff.be April 24th to May 4th

Have you ever hungered for a sensory experience that involves the enjoyment of artistic, intellectual, emotional and culinary experiences all at once? Check out Les Passagées, located in a 125 year old house built on a leafy square in Saint-Gilles by an architect as his home, which offers such an exploration in which the audience, artists and chefs all share, question, eat and exchange ideas around a series of dance, music, visual arts and culinary happenings. Artistic Director Alexandra Swenden and pianist Barbara Drazkov explain. May 1st through 7th  2024. www.lespassagees.com Photo Credit: Caroline Dejonghe

There's a new cozy, convivial club in the cellars of the Sheds at Tour et Taxis where one can get a bite to eat, have a drink and enjoy live music ranging from jazz, manouche and Brazilian, to classical. Founder Martine Renwart tells us what to expect. https://www.lebaixu.com/en Music courtesy of Henri Greindl