Exhibitions galore, music festivals, and book launches: 9 things to do in Antwerp, Ghent, Brussels, Holsbeek and Heer this week. See you there!
Art marathon I: Brussels Gallery Weekend 2017
From 7 to 10 September Brussels
After an art-starved summer break only interrupted by a few fantastic summer shows, the new art season kicks off with a bang this week! During Brussels Gallery Weekend 2017, there is, as every year, a myriad of exhibitions to attend, in commercial galleries as well as independent art spaces. It’s almost impossible to visit every show, which is why we’ve scouted the ever-growing and continuously vibrant local art scene for you to select the 12 exhibitions you really shouldn’t miss. Check out our picks here.
Art marathon II: Antwerp South Gallery Nocturne
Thursday, 7 September, 18-21h00 Antwerp
For the return of the season Antwerp also has something special in store: in its South neighbourhood packed with galleries and art spaces art lovers can discover a multitude of exhibitions till the late evening hours. Don’t miss Rinus Van de Velde at Tim Van Laere, Asako Nakahashi at Ibasho, and Sven ‘t Jolle at Plus One Gallery. And if your stamina is strong enough, there’s an after party at Pixel Café!
Talent watch: STRT Kit at Studio Start
Friday, 8 September Antwerp
Jim Campers, Ode de Kort, mountaincutters, Maika Garnica and Timo Van Grinsven all were chose by an international jury after an open call for STRT Kit, an international development program for emerging visual artists based in Antwerp. After working together in a collective studio for a year, the rising talents now release a book together, which you can get your hands on this Friday. Also on the menu: Greek food and Athens beats.
Music festival I: Horst
From 8 to 10 September Holsbeek
Horst, located in an intimate setting of woods, meadows and ponds surrounding the Holsbeek castle, wants to be more than just a music festival: there are not only concerts on the program but also exhibitions and talks, offering a nurturing environment for all kinds of contemporary creative cultures. This 4th edition offers guided walks exploring temporary and permanent art interventions as well as a carefully curated line-up including BBC Radio legend Gilles Peterson, homegrown Djs Lefto and Nosedrip, Egyptian Lover, and many more.
Exhibition: Lies Caeyers at Gouvernement
From 8 to 10 September Ghent
Ghent cultural platform Gouvernement invites you to the opening of a solo exhibition by Belgian artist Lies Caeyers, who was selected for Gouvernement’s residency program focused on research, experimenting and leaving comfort zones. In this context Caeyers investigated plastic as a substance and cultural concept: for instance, it can be interpreted as human dominance over nature. Highly interesting!
Reopening weekend: Extra City
From 8 to 11 September Antwerp
After extensive renovations, Antwerp’s art center Extra City finally opens its doors again! For the occasion, the weekend is filled with performances, lectures, talks, music, guided tours and workshops for children. Plus, you can get a drink or a bite to eat in the brand new Extra Fika Café. Check out the detailed three-day program here.
Music festival II: Deep in the Woods
From 8 to 10 September Heer
© Noah Dodson
If you’re not a big fan of large-scale, over-commercialised festivals, this is for you. Deep in the Woods, taking place each first weekend of September, wants to return to the roots of musical experiences, with the goal to create links between different generations and communities but also with different art forms such as visual arts and cinema – all while focusing on local products and being environmentally conscious. The line-up includes Amenra, Laura Gibson, and many others.
Food meets film: The Big LeBrunchski at Bar Bricolage
Sunday, 10 September, 11-14h00 Ghent
Sounds like the perfect hangover recipe: a Sunday brunch inspired by cult movie The Big Lebowski. No worries, there’s more on the menu than White Russians, ranging from homemade granola to pies. Don’t hesitate to dress up in your favorite bathrobe! All details here.
Sound art: EPAS 2017 graduation show at KASK
From 10 to 11 September Ghent
EPAS stands for European Postgraduate in Arts in Sound, a one-year program exploring the creative potential of sound both of itself and as part of a multimedia practice. Now the very first 6 students have completed the course, and we’re very curious to see what they came up with after a year of research, hard work, and experimentation in their graduate exhibition at KASK.
