A photography festival and nights out in Brussels, art in Leuven, and more. See you there!

Festival: Summer of Photography

From 18 June to 31 August Brussels

This Tuesday Brussels’ bi-yearly, international photography biennale organized by Bozar kicks off its fifth edition. Countless exhibitions spread out through the Belgian capital let you discover contemporary photography in all its forms, exploring themes as for instance the cultural exchange between the European member states. Plus, there’s a varied programme of talks, portfolio presentations and symposiums offering visitors an insight into the artists’ way of working. Have a look at the full exhibition listing here and stay tuned for a round-up of the festival’s highlights.

Last days to see: Valérie Belin at Nathalie Obadia

Closes on Saturday, 21 June Brussels

Until the end of the week you still have the opportunity to check out French artist Valérie Belin’s solo expo at Brussels’ Nathalie Obadia Gallery. The exhibition unites recent works of her dreamy and mysterious series “Still Life”, examining the close relationship between reality and fantasy with colorful, loaded compositions full of seemingly random objects such as mannequin heads, flowers and showerheads.

Night out: Boiler Room at Bonnefooi

Tuesday, 17 June, 19h00 Brussels

Yes, the legendary London-born Boiler Room party series is coming to Belgium! Founded in 2010, Boiler Room nights are famous for their intimate settings, high-quality line-ups and of course the fact that the whole shebang is filmed and streamed live on the internet. The Brussels edition, taking place in the cozy Bonnefooi, is organized by Belgian DJ big-shot Left who will be joined behind the decks by Boiler man Thristian, Belgian talents STUFF, Losco and Funky Bompa. The second part of the awesome line-up is taken care of by Tangram Records who invited Uphigh Collective from Leuven, LTGL and Moodprint. Don’t miss it!

Opening: The Word presents The Belgian Six at Bozar

Tuesday, 17 June Brussels

Belgian culture magazine The Word, which also just launched its first Belgium guide (order it here), is exploring new shores: this Tuesday sees the opening of “The Belgian Six”, the first major exhibition curated by the magazine’s editor-in-chief. The fascinating photography expo taking place at renowned Bozar brings together the captivating works of six up-and-coming Belgian photographers, uniting brand new works by Bieke Depoorter, Sarah Eechaut, Hana Miletic, Sébastien Bonin, Max Pinckers, and David Widart. By the way: even football fans don’t need to miss the opening as the game will be broadcasted on a big screen inside the venue.

World Cup 2014: Belgium vs. Algeria at Bersschouwburg

Tuesday, 17 June, 18h00 Brussels

More football: if you prefer to be surrounded by screaming fans instead of hanging out on your living room couch, then Brussels’ Bersschouwburg is a great option to watch the Belgian game. All the way up on its open air rooftop terrace you can enjoy the World Cup on a big screen while drinking in a stunning view over Brussels.

Exhibition: Ravaged at M Museum

Runs until 1 September Leuven

Leuven’s M Museum currently presents “Ravaged”, a genre-crossing, multi-faceted exhibition exploring destroyed cities, ruins, iconoclasm, art theft and propaganda from the 15th century until today. The major message of the fascinating examination which juxtaposes works of the old masters with creations of contemporary artists: “War spares nothing and nobody, including art and culture.” Featuring artworks by Floris Jespers, Adel Abdessemed, Sven Augustijnen, Fernando Bryce and many others.

More photography: NARAFI at Tour & Taxis

Until Saturday, 21 June Brussels

Another must for photography buffs: this week Brussels’ renowned NARAFI school showcases the works of its photography students in a huge exhibition at Tour & Taxis. The perfect opportunity to have a look at the next generation of photographers and maybe even get a glimpse of tomorrow’s stars.

Birthday bash: 12 years Café Belga with Hot Chip

Friday, 20 June Brussels

For its 12th birthday Brussels institution Café Belga, the heart and soul of Place Flagey, welcomes the cream of the crop to provide the musical background for its anniversary celebrations. No other than Felix Martin from British electronic music outfit Hot Chip will be behind the decks, together with homegrown Attar! and Tang E.

Opening: Foreseen at Zsenne Gallery

Sunday, 22 June, 18h00 Brussels

We’ve already mentioned brand new exhibition project Foreseen a little while ago, and now the initiative is back with its second expo, a must-see group show at Brussels’ Zsenne Gallery. All works are the creations of young talents who are still in art school or just freshly graduated. Music and cocktails provided!

Cover photo Thibault Thf Frederix