8 things to do in Leuven, Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, from art exhibitions and open air parties to design shows and record markets.

Design: The Belgian Scene at Kanal/Centre Pompidou

Opens Wednesday, 12 September Brussels

On the occasion of Design September 2018, the exhibition “The Belgian Scene” focuses on an aspect of design that goes far beyond functionality and usefulness. Often labeled “collectible design” or “design art”, it is situated in this grey zone between art and design. This exhibition, which aims at putting forward the shakers and makers of the design art scene in Belgium, includes mainly hand-made pieces that are either unique or part of a limited series. The show runs till 14 November and includes fascinating objects by Maarten De Ceulaer, Alain Berteau, Jean-François D’Or, Damien Gernay, and many many others.

Exhibition & book launch: Ruth Van Beek at RIOT

Thursday, 13 September, 19-22h00 Ghent

“How To Do The Flowers” is the most recent publication by Dutch artist Ruth van Beek which you can get your hands on this Thursday at independent bookshop RIOT in Ghent. The launch is accompanied by an exhibition featuring related works which play with the repetition of images, visual sequences, and accidental similarities. Van Beek’s pieces often have their starting point in her vast image archive.

Opening: Nadia Naveau at Base Alpha

Thursday, 13 September, 19h00 Antwerp

Base Alpha gallery presents “Funny Five Minutes”, a solo show by Belgian, Antwerp-based artist Nadia Naveau, who is known for her captivating sculptures experimenting with different colors, shapes, and sizes. While she usually makes models from clay, the pieces incorporate the most diverse materials ranging from plaster, ceramics and polyester to concrete or plasticine. Naveau’s works often bring together the iconography of antiquity with that of our contemporary society.

Opening: Richard Long at CAB

Friday, 14 September, 18-21h00 Brussels

We’re quite ecstatic about this one: CAB art foundation is bringing the one and only Richard Long (73) to Belgium for a massive solo show for the first time in over 40 years!  “Along the Way” features significant works from the artist’s vast oeuvre, ranging from text works and photographs to sculptures and a brand new in situ piece at the core of the show. The British artist, a Turner prize awardee, poetically deals with the relationship between the individual human being and nature, deriving artworks from walks he has taken or creating ephemeral works in the landscape and with the landscape itself. The exhibition runs until 27 October. An absolute must!

Art meets music: GHOST at deSingel

Friday, 14 September Antwerp

Ghost, a festival dedicated to providing a platform for emerging artistic talents and facilitating collaborations and communication between them and other creatives, sets up shop in Antwerp’s deSingel for a night of art, performance, and music. Participating artists are Belgian photographer Ulrike Biets, TTN DJs, Belgian artist Niels Vaes, and so many others. More here.

Music market: Record fair at Botanique

Saturday, 15 September Brussels

If you want to spruce up your record collection or get rid of a few bad buys, this Saturday is the perfect opportunity to do so. Music enthusiasts and collectors gather at Brussels concert venue Botanique for a flea market solely dedicated to vinyls, CDs and cassettes. The bar will be open!

Birthday: Hal 5 turns 1

Sunday, 16 September, 12-21h00 Leuven

Hal 5, located in a former industrial complex, has been turned into a vibrant, urban, sustainable breeding ground and meeting place with a multifaceted program structured around nutrition, exercise, community building and sustainable entrepreneurship. Now the ambitious project is celebrating its first anniversary, and you’re invited! There’ll be food, drinks, music, a market, activities for the little ones, and more. Happy birthday!

Outdoor party: Flyover

Sunday, 16 September, 8-18h00 Ghent

On a typical day in Ghent, about 65,000 cars enter and exit the city via the so-called fly-over. This Sunday, that’s not going to be the case. In the context of “Autoloze Zondag” it’s going to be transformed into a stage for art, music, and partying, all whilst offering a panoramic view over the city. Come by for food, drinks, DJs, installations, performances, and more.

Cover photo Melanie Vé