From the very first contemporary art fair dedicated to ceramics to a silent films concert and exploring photography at key locations, here are some of our favourite activities going on in the Belgian capital this weekend.
Arts, music and culture
Week of Sound, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 4 February
With lectures, sound walks, concerts, installations and listening sessions, Week of Sound aims to make the public aware of the tones and sounds they hear around them, highlighting the importance of these invisible forces in society.
Emergency Rehearsal (Anna Kravets), a series of interactive sessions about experiencing an emergency in various contexts. Credit: Flagey
Many of the festival's activities are interactive, either through talking to artists or participating in installations and performances. The theme of this year's 14th edition is 'ICE' (in case of emergency).
Find more information here.
Ceramic Brussels, Tour&Taxis, until Sunday 28 January
In recent years, ceramics have enjoyed a remarkable comeback in the capital. This weekend, the first contemporary fair dedicated to this unique art form is coming to Brussels, bringing together up to 60 galleries, institutions and key players in contemporary ceramics.
Credit: Sophie Carree
As well as exploring the fair, visitors are invited to attend the various conferences and visits. During the festival, the Ceramic Brussels jury will also award an up-and-coming artist, who is not linked to a gallery, the art prize.
Find more information here.
Belgian Music Week, various locations across Belgium, until Sunday 28 January
Belgian Music Week kicked off on Monday and as the name suggests, it is dedicated to boosting the country's musical scene, ranging from headline performers to future stars.
Jazz musician during a concert. Credit: Belga / Laurie Dieffembacq
A variety of gigs, panel discussions, radio shows, workshops and raves are being held across the country, in celebration of the country's home-grown music. Be sure not to miss Friday's all-female concert night at BXL Central [chez PIAS] and Music at the Gallery, a mini-festival of contemporary rock, folk and French chanson.
Find more information here.
Lights, camera, action
Cinemaximiliaan Silent Films Concert, Ancienne Belgique, Sunday 28 January
This Sunday, make your way to Ancienne Belgique to experience a truly unique event bringing together cinematography and music. Seven silent films by international directors will be screened, accompanied by a live band playing original compositions.
A previous Cinemaximiliaan event. Credit: Kaaitheater
The event is organised by Cinemaximiliaan, a platform in Brussels which explores the theme of solitude. The seven directors were asked to tell stories of loneliness through short films. While they each have the same theme and format, each story is unique.
Find more information here.
Out and about
PhotoBrussels Festival, various locations in Brussels, until Sunday 25 February
For an entire month, PhotoBrussels Festival is bringing together amateurs, actors and professionals of contemporary photography in the Belgian capital. The festival serves as a platform to generate ideas, through exhibitions, workshops, conferences and guided tours.
A PhotoBrussels exhibition. Credit: Hangarthe
The eighth edition will once again invite people to visit exhibitions in various locations around the city including art galleries and museums, but also in the Atomium, the Spanish embassy and many more spaces.
Find more information here.
