Brussels unveiled Belgium’s first-ever Congolese cultural centre was opened on Friday, Minister for Equal Opportunities Lydia Mutyebele Ngoi (PS). Its mission statement is to "tell the historical narrative of Congo and Belgium in a constructive, forward-looking manner".
Located on Boulevard Poincaré, the centre will offer a diverse programme "open to African cultures". Visitors can expect concerts, exhibitions, screenings, literary cafés, and a hub of information about the culture and history of Congo and Africa.
"We acknowledge the shared past between Belgium and Congo. We want this centre to disseminate their history and, more importantly, serve as a platform to empower the Congolese, Belgian-Congolese, and African communities in Brussels," said the city’s Mayor, Philippe Close (PS).
Describing the centre as a "haven for transmission, learning, and discovery", Mutyebele voiced her enthusiasm, welcoming a celebration of "the richness of Congolese and other African cultures in all their complexity." There will be added emphasis on gender equality, shining a light on "significant contributions made by women."
Émue de voir le premier @CCCongolaisbxl avec programmation ouverte aux cultures africaines - prendre vie au cœur de Bruxelles ! Une aventure unique pour promouvoir l’#égalitédeschances et donner une voix à chaque talent ! 🤝🏾@PhilippeClose @DelphineHouba pic.twitter.com/50GHicDVxP
— Lydia Mutyebele Ngoi (@LydiaMutyebele) December 15, 2023
Tweet translation: Moved to see the first @CCCongolaisbxl with a programme open to African cultures come to life in the heart of Brussels! A unique adventure to promote #equalopportunities and give every artist a voice!
The initiative corresponds to the UN General Assembly’s International Decade for People of African Descent, established in 2015. The programme urged Belgium, among other countries, to "address the root causes of present-day racism." Brussels has committed to be proactive in this global movement, viewing this cultural centre as a "crucial milestone in the work of decolonising attitudes."
