Pascal Smet creates space for 150 artists in ambitious studio plan
Research of artists’ collective Level Five revealed that more than half of the artists do not have their own workplace and work from home. Three quarters of these artists do not have a separate studio and are forced to work in their living room. Most of them indicate that their work does not benefit from it. That is why Pascal Smet launched the ambitious studio plan “Plan Atelier”. The first 150 spaces are currently becoming a reality.
Research of artists’ collective Level Five revealed that more than half of the artists do not have their own workplace and work from home. Three quarters of these artists do not have a separate studio and are forced to work in their living room. Most of them indicate that their work does not benefit from it. That is why Pascal Smet launched the ambitious studio plan “Plan Atelier”. The first 150 spaces are currently becoming a reality.
As a college member for Culture of the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), Pascal Smet provides support for four experimental projects in the city of Brussels, Molenbeek, Anderlecht and Ganshoren. In doing so, Smet creates space for 150 artists. It involves two permanent studio buildings and two buildings in temporary use where artists can stay for at least three years. These places are developed in cooperation and consultation with artistic organisations and artists.
“Brussels is one of the artistic hotspots in the world. It has international appeal and we are rightly proud of that. But due to recent urban development, many artists are having difficulties to find a suitable studio space. If we want Brussels to be the cultural capital of Europe in 2030, we have to take our responsibility now. We must not only focus on presentation, but also on workspace for artistic creators in this city. I am pleased that we can already create space for 150 artists today. This is a promising start and I want to continue on this path.” – Pascal Smet, VGC college member for Culture.
The first two studio experiments have already started. In the city of Brussels, 45 artists have found a new working space in the Meyboom Artist-run Spaces, while 25 artists can use the office spaces of iMal in Molenbeek. Later this year, some 50 artists can enjoy a residence in a former retirement home in Ganshoren and “Werkplaats Walter” will provide about 30 additional spaces in Anderlecht from 2023.
“We have created studio space in part of the iMal buildings. 25 artists are working there now. They have united under the name MAX and their presence ensures an inspiring cross-fertilisation with the activities of our art centre. A good, warm studio, with a solid rental contract, offers stability and tranquillity. It gives breathing space for creative work.” - Katrien Reist, art centre iMAL.
The cornerstones of Plan Atelier
Several building blocks are needed to create a long-term, sustainable and supported studio policy for this city. In addition to creating concrete studio space, Smet also made funds available for an extra team at the social employment agency FIX. This team can actively help with the many infrastructural needs in the cultural sector.
As State Secretary for Urbanism, Smet is currently working on new regulations for temporary use within the decree on exemptions and time-limited permits. This third component of the plan will make it a lot quicker and easier to transform spaces and artists will benefit from it.
“Urban planning regulations make little distinction between temporary and permanent projects. The permit lead time is often the same, as is the paperwork involved. The new regulations will soon change that.” - Brussels State Secretary for Urbanism Pascal Smet.
Together with the various partners and authorities, the Taskforce Atelier continues to work on a broad and supported studio policy. In addition, various investment grants have been awarded in recent years to organisations such as Needcompany, Peeping Tom and the Higher Institute of Fine Arts (HISK) for the creation of studio spaces within their structures. Furthermore, the Brussels theatre company Tristero found a place in the Gallait studio building in Schaerbeek and about 70 artists are given a workspace every year in one of the 22 Brussels community centres.
Pour de plus amples informations sur le Plan Atelier, rendez-vous sur la page https://www.vgc.be/wat-biedt-n-brussel/cultuur/plan-atelier
