The Christmas holidays are rapidly approaching, but the cultural scene in Brussels and further afield is not yet taking a break. This weekend is once again packed with a wide variety of events, festivals, unique nights out and much more. Find our favourite activities taking place in the capital below.
Young talent
System_D Film Festival, KSV, Friday 15 to Sunday 17 December
KSV presents the ultimate chance to meet the filmmakers of today and tomorrow. This film competition for emerging talent from Brussels, which first took place 12 years ago, takes visitors on a journey through the Belgian capital through the eyes of the younger generations.
Credit: KSV
As there are no formal requirements or rules, audiences can expect an uncensored festival full of fiction and documentaries, with a focus on decolonisation, visibilisation and reinforcement of narratives.
Find more information here.
ArtContest, Botanique, until Sunday 4 February
Ten artists have been chosen to showcase their artwork at the Botanique concert venue near Brussels North. In the coming weeks, four winners will be selected by a panel of judges. ArtContest aims to promote the creative work of contemporary Belgian artists or artists living in Belgium aged 35 or under and contribute to their development.
PAULIUS ŠLIAUPA, THE MONK, 2021
Explore the works of Judith E. Geerts who makes reference to architectural systems and devices found in public space and produces structures that undermine and reflect their function, alongside Juliette Vanwaterloo's rugs and embroideries that reflect the Yellow Vests movement.
Find more information here.
Arts, music and culture
Rare vogels, Werkplaats Walter, Friday 15 to Sunday 17 December
Come and meet the five excellent artists who graduated from Werkplaats Walter, a work and performance place for experimental and avant-garde art and music in Brussels, an initiative by musician Teun Verbruggen.
Credit: Bozar
Launched this year, the centre's new programme supports musicians in their free impro, jazz and avant-garde music. The five musicians who took part – Andrej Thompson, Anton Lambert, Bo Van der Werf, Ewoud Van Eetvelde and Nils Vermeulen – will all present their projects. The event includes concerts, workshops, music jams and film screenings.
Find more information here.
Palestine Film Institute's Unprovoked Narratives, Beursschouwburg, until Saturday 16 December
This week, the Palestine Film Institute reflects on the concepts of the 'Unprovoked' by presenting a film programme that discusses, historically and aesthetically, the provocation, intimidation and violations of the life, land and society of Palestinians. It aims to celebrate the beauty of Gaza, its people, struggle and survival, and counter misrepresentation.
Credit: Palestine Film Institute
On Friday, several short films will be screened showing how the lives of Palestinians have been thrown into disarray by bombing attacks. This will also include one of the earliest films on the occupied territory in Gaza. On Saturday, the experimental film Ouroboros will be showed, an homage to the Gaza Strip based on the eternal return.
Find more information here.
Children's special
KETCLUB, Ancienne Belgique, Sunday 17 December
For the very first time, iconic concert venue AB in Brussels' city centre is hosting an event tailored to children. KETCLUB offers a full concert experience to young music lovers, introduce them to music in an entirely unique way.
AB Ancienne Belgique in the city centre of Brussels. Credit: Belga / Filip de Smet
Bands will play a shorter set at an adjusted volume. The project will kick off on Sunday with Girls in Hawaii, the first Walloon rock act to gain a foothold in Flanders, with a live set-up of their early years.
Find more information here.
Further afield
Ocean of Sound, STUK in Leuven, until Sunday 17 December
The first Belgian festival featuring 4DSOUND technology has landed in Leuven, with a hall of 48 speakers immersing the audience in an ocean of sound. Expect two weekends of spatial live shows, intimate listening sessions in the dark and a 4D club night, described as a truly "magical experience".
Credit: STUK
From Italian drummer and composer Andrea Belfi's acoustic percussion which he blends seamlessly with electronic effects, crackling noise and buzzing synth tones to Belgian musician and composer of electroacoustic music, Adriaan de Roover, who will create a new composition for 4DSOUND – this is not one to miss.
Find more information here.
