Atelier Plan opens up studio space for artists in Brussels
The Flemish Community Commission (VGC) is offering almost 400 artists a space to work in Brussels. High quality, affordable studios are in short supply in the capital, and more than half of artists don’t have their own workplace outside the home.
The Atelier plan supports the expansion of cooperative spaces for artists to work in, such as a former care home in Ganshoren that has been opened up to 60 artists. Similar workshops exist in the city centre, Molenbeek and Koekelberg.
The VGC has invested 1.4 million euros in these workshops and other projects, refurbishing them, improving accessibility and providing electricity and Wi-Fi. Some of the sites are experimental spaces, such as former industrial premises. There will be space for a total of 385 artists.
“This is an investment that pays off, because artists are the heartbeat of our metropolis,” said Ans Persoons of Vooruit.brussels, the VGC college member responsible for culture. The commission has also drafted a new regulation to make it easier to install temporary or permanent workspaces.
Research by artists’ collective Level Five shows that more than half of artists work from home as they cannot afford their own workplace. The majority of these say working from home is not conducive to their development and the creative process.
"This is an investment that pays off, because artists are the heartbeat of our metropolis"
An open weekend is being held on 17 and 18 May to show the studios to the public, with tours, entertainment, food and drink and art sales. The weekend is part of the Atelier in Beeld open studios event, which takes place across Flanders.
The VGC represents the Flemish community in Brussels. It is the government body responsible for urban policy, culture, youth, sport, education, training, student affairs, well-being, health and the family.
#FlandersNewsService | Illustration © IMAGEBROKER
Related news
