Cinema and food in Brussels, fashion and gallery hopping in Antwerp, and more. See you there!
Film: Cinema days at Bozar
From 6 to 10 January Brussels
Brussels’ Bozar kicks off the new year with a cinematic bang: 25 movies in 5 days are on the multifaceted programme! Film buffs will find a great selection of avant-garde, low-budget, no-budget, arthouse films and more, including Aleksandr Sokoerov’s Francofonia, which explores the complicated relationship between art and power, and Ethan Hawke’s new movie about pianist and composer Seymour Bernstein. Plus, the opening night brings you a real treat with highly acclaimed Hollywood picture “Carol” featuring, once again, an impeccable Cate Blanchett.
Apartment expo: Soil Collective
Wednesday, 6 January, 19h00 Brussels
Apartment exhibitions are visibly on the rise these days (think Middlemarch or KLAN in Belgium), and Brussels-based art collective SOIL joins the movement with “A Room With a View”. The one-night expo focuses on screenings, presenting different approaches to video art by Belgian Mattijs Driesen, German-born Lena Marie Emrich, Pedro Huet form Portugal and Nathalie Snel from The Netherlands. They all explore the subject of the interior as a place of seclusion and inclusion in the context of artistic production. The first screening starts at 19h30.
A night at the opera: To Be Sung at Flagey
6, 7 and 9 January Brussels
Brussels opera house La Monnaie takes over Flagey’s concert hall this week to bring you “To Be Sung” one of the early works of Pascal Dusapin. Belgian visual artist Renato Nicolodi has created a giant sculpture for the stage decorations, and it’s the very first time that renowned Belgian fashion designer Christopher Coppens designed costumes for an opera performance. Not to miss!
Launch: Bagger, The Collection
Thursday, 7 January, 21h00 Antwerp
Bagger is the brainchild of multitalent Sven Maes, and is not only the name of his very own bar, but also the moniker of his brand new street wear label. This Thursday you can discover the inaugural collection for him and her – inspired by the 90s rave culture- at, of course, the Bagger bar. By the way, all images were shot by Belgian photographer Ulrike Biets, who regularly contributes to this website.
Night out: The Purrfect Party at Beursschouwburg
Friday, 8 January, 18h00 Brussels
The combination of cats and nights out interestingly seems to be of great appeal to Belgian party organisers. No, we are not talking about nightlife institution Catclub this time, but aboutBeursschouwburg’s “Purrfect Party” this Friday, a must for all cat-lovers and crazy cat-ladies. Guests are encouraged to dress up as a kitty or – no joke – bring along their own. With DJ Kong, Sixsixsixties and DJ Kurt Overbergh behind the decks. Meow!
Gallery hopping: Antwerp’s Borger
Friday, 8 January, 18h00 Antwerp
Borger is a great way to dive into Antwerp’s art scene, giving you the possibility of visiting a great selection of exhibitions in Borgerhout, Berchem and Zurenborg all in one night. This Friday it’s time for Borger’s 8th edition, featuring Leon Vranken at LLS387, Leyla Aydoslu at Lokaal01, and many more. See the full programme here.
Art: The Pots of Etablissement at Etablissement d’en face
Friday, 8 January, 19h00 Brussels
Brussels independent art space Etablissement d’en face, founded in the beginning of the 90s, is run by a group of people active in the contemporary art scene, including artists Harald Thys and Sophie Nys, architect Jan Verheyden, and others. This Friday they present their favorite artistic discoveries of the year.
Eat & drink: Brussels food festival
Saturday, 9 January, 10-22h00 Brussels
This is one best enjoyed with an empty stomach: The Brussels Food Festival offers a multitude of food-related activities, from a bio market to do your shopping to free workshops and conferences. There’ll also be a great selection of foodtrucks, giving you the chance to munch on bio couscous, authentic Mexican tacos, and more.
Art meets party: Benefit night at La Loge
Saturday, 9 January, 20h00 Brussels
La Loge, one of Belgium’s major alternative art spaces, throws a huge benefit bash this weekend with the goal to continue and sustain its artsy activities. Tickets are quite pricey, but you’re supporting something good and get the chance to win artworks by a number of notable artists from Roe Ethridge to Harold Ancart. There’ll also be live music, a game thought up by Michael Beutler, food drinks, and more. Get your tickets here.