Pascal Smet launches two open calls for artist studios and residencies
Gallait house in Schaerbeek and summer residencies in community centres available
Gallait house in Schaerbeek and summer residencies in community centres available.
“Many of our artists are looking for a suitable studio space. Therefore we make the community centres of the Flemish Community Commission “VGC” available for artists, as much as possible. That way we ensure that Brussels remains one of the artistic hotspots in the world. If we want Brussels to be the cultural capital in 2030, we have to continue to support them and give them opportunities,” says Pascal Smet.
Last month, Pascal Smet announced the results of a study by artists’ collective Level Five into the studio needs of artists in Brussels. They show that more than half of the artists does not have its own workplace and works from home, and thus that there is a great need for quality and affordable studios in Brussel.
“Plan Atelier” task force
On the initiative of VGC college member Pascal Smet, the “Plan Atelier” - or “studio plan” - task force has met for the first time this month, with regional, municipal and arts sector representatives. During this first meeting, Level Five presented its research results and everyone’s options were discussed. A division of roles and a step-by-step schedule were proposed. The various authorities will continue to build on this positive energy. In the meantime, Pascal Smet is launching the first open calls for studios and residencies.
The artist studio in 80, Rue Gallait in Schaerbeek is again available to artists or arts organisations who are willing to manage and organise it. The building has five studio rooms, a studio apartment and a reception and presentation area. The selected artists will stay in the house until the end of 2025.
The call is addressed to artists and arts organisations, active for at least three years in (amongst others) the Dutch-language arts field in the Brussels Region. The aim is to open the doors as much as possible to other artists and arts organisations, international residencies, young people from the neighbourhood and local partners such as the nearby community centre De Kriekelaar.
As in previous years, the 22 Brussels community centres (N22) and the “Kunstenwerkplaats” invite artists to use their spaces as studios this summer. This year, the need is much greater due to the corona pandemic. In the past three years, 75 artists or collectives were given a place in 18 community centres, with a total of 7000 m2 of space made available temporarily. This summer, for a maximum of four weeks, artists can stay in 30 different venues in community centres all over the Brussels region. Preference will be given to starting artists of all fields. At the end of the summer, “Kunstenwerkplaats” will invite some residents for a follow-up trajectory.