'Shout Out BXL': Brussels deputy mayor launches citywide cultural policy consultation
Brussels' deputy mayor for Dutch-speaking affairs, Frederik Ceulemans (Open VLD), has launched Shout Out BXL, a participatory initiative aimed at involving residents in shaping a new local cultural policy plan for the city and its districts.
To gather input, Ceulemans is taking a 'culture van' to five key cultural locations in Brussels and has also launched an online survey in French and Dutch. His aim is to position Brussels even more firmly as a leading cultural centre. "Brussels is already a city of art and culture on an international scale," he said, "and that's important - because culture inspires and empowers".
Joint effort
Supported by funding from Flanders, the City of Brussels and the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), the new plan aims to use the Dutch-speaking socio-cultural scene as a stepping stone for inclusive cultural development across the city.
Deputy mayor Frederik Ceulemans © BELGA PHOTO BENOIT DOPPAGNE
"Shout Out BXL offers a fresh look at the vibrant and diverse cultural landscape of Brussels," explains Ceulemans. "We want to break out of the usual boxes and ask all residents how Dutch-language culture can serve as a driver for free expression and cultural growth."
The 'culture van' will stop at several locations, including De Markten (7 May) and Bloemenhofplein (16 May), followed by visits to Neder-Over-Heembeek, Haren and Laken. The results of the survey will feed directly into a cultural platform event on 17 June 2025, which will mark the final phase of the participatory process and form the basis of the city's new Dutch-language cultural policy plan.
© BELGIAN_FREELANCE
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