Design in Brussels, a festival in Leuven, exhibitions in Ghent, and more. See you there!

Design: Disarming design night at Wiels

Wednesday, 10 February, 19h00-21h00 Brussels

This Wednesday inclusive design label “Disarming Design from Palestine” launches its brand new mobile shop at at Wiels. All products, which include kitchen items, office supplies and more, are developed and created in Palestine in a joint effort by contemporary designers, artists, students, local producers, and artisans. They are not only functional, but also tell the story of Palestinian life and culture under constant occupation. There’ll be Palestinian Taybeh beer, several talks, film screenings and artisan workshops.

Festival: Artefact at STUK

From 9 to 21 February Leuven

Artefact is a multi-genre festival offering everything from concerts and lectures to art performances and exhibitions with the aim to comment on visual culture, current events, and societal challenges. This Wednesday you can dance the night away at the (free) opening night at STUK, featuring Italian musician Lorenzo Senni as well as Hantrax and Hiele, both from Antwerp, live on stage. The programme evolves around this year’s theme “Up in the sky”, exploring notions of space, the sky, and our relation to it. The main exhibition presents, among others, works by celebrated American artist James Turrell, or Dutch artist Berndnaut Smilde, who is especially known for creating artificial clouds. See the full programme here.

Opening: Jessica Yatrofsky at WATT

Thursday, 11 February Ghent

After having exhibited her fascinating series “I Heart Boy” at Belgium’s A&Gallery a little while ago, the Brooklyn artist is back on Belgian grounds for the second part of the project: “I Heart Girls”. With both series Jessica Yatrofsky raises the question of what gender identity, masculinity and femininity mean today, challenging established views and perceptions by portraying her subjects in a natural, authentic and intimate way. “I Heart Girls” opens this Thursday at Ghent’s WATT in presence of the artist.

Art walk: Brussels I Love You

From 13 to 27 February Brussels

Newly founded initiative Brussels I Love You (BILY) describes itself as a “contemporary art walk”. It’s inspired by the similar Parisian version “Paris Je t’Aime”, a project aiming at bringing together young local galleries. The whole shebang kicks off this Saturday at art center Hangar 18, from which art fans can participate in several guided tours around the city, discovering a great selection of about 20 Brussels galleries and art spaces including Chabah Yelmani Gallery, Foreseen, Island, Odradek, and others. There’s also a detailed map available enabling visitors to do the tour in their own pace. Plus, the participating galleries offer special events for the two coming weeks, from book launches and readings to conferences and performances. Check out the full programme here.

Eat & shop: Wild Jo’s market at Little Brewers Winter Garden

13 and 14 February Antwerp

There’s a new market in town: this weekend sees the very first edition of Wild Jo’s market, an initiative founded by three Antwerp friends that champions young Belgian creatives from all kinds of backgrounds. The multifaceted programme focuses on local projects and encompasses food, art, fashion, design, music and more. There’ll be artsy workshops for kids, custom-made candy by Coco June, jewellery from Stereotype, and so much more!

Art: Ostend Museum Night

Saturday, 13 February Ostend

Ostend has a bigger art scene than many might expect, and this weekend you can discover it all at once during the annual museum & gallery night. Until the late evening hours art enthusiasts will be able to visit the former house of Belgian artist James Ensor, probably Ostend’s most famous citizen, participate in a photography workshop at Mu.ZEE, and do some gallery hopping. Here’s an overview of the participating spaces.

Night out: Dansez-vous francais at Louise 186

Saturday, 13 February, 23h00 Brussels

Founded 10 years ago, Belgian party series Dansez-vous Francais is back after a little hiatus with an edition in a pretty special location: Louise 186, which we only knew as an exhibition space so far. The queer night with a slightly kitschy but very danceable soundtrack takes place on the 7th level with a stunning view over the city. Not to miss! >>> EDIT: LOCATION CHANGE => CLUB CLANDESTIN <<<

Music meets painting: Origami Classics at Beursschouwburg

Sunday, 14 February Brussels

Classical music unfortunately still has a bit of a dusty image, making many think of stiff crowds and endless performances. Belgian initiative Origami Classics wants to change all that with a fresh, relaxed and original take on classical music concerts in an attempt to attract a wider and younger audience. The new season just kicked off last month, and we have three duo tickets to give away for the second edition this Sunday at Beursschouwburg! On the programme is the Scarbo Quartet, a Saxophone foursome, who will interpret the music of Michel Lysight, accompanied by a projection of a painting performance by homegrown artist Serge Goldwicht, whose works are partly inspired by the Belgian composer. What’s more, parents can drop off their kids at the baby-sitting corner or a creative workshop run by MUS-E Belgium.

To win a duo ticket just send an email to info@origami-music.be

Concert: Youth Lagoon at Trix

Sunday, 14 February Antwerp

Just a few days ago Trevor Powers aka Youth Lagoon announced to his fans on social media that his celebrated experimental dream pop project is coming to an end: “There is nothing left to say through Youth Lagoon”, he writes. Accordingly, his current tour will sadly also be his last one. So if you want to catch the creator of “The Year of Hibernation”, “Wondrous Bughouse” and “Savage Hills Ballroom” live on stage once more, now is the time, at Antwerp’s Trix this Sunday.

See you there!

Cover photo Grégoire Pleynet