From Brussels with Love: international programmers in Brussels as part of Kunstenfestivaldesarts
Referring to ‘The 25th Hour’, the book by Constantin Virgil Gheorghiu, which describes how as from a certain moment any attempt to escape is futile, Wallonie-Bruxelles Théâtre/Danse and Flanders Arts Institute (Kunstenpunt) together with a number of partners organize an international visitors’ programme which takes place during Kunstenfestivaldesarts. This year’s edition of the festival runs from 6 to 28 May 2016.
Kunstenfestivaldesarts stands out as a festival which is open to the world. There could not have been a more worthy host for our professional encounters. During the festival, participants can attend premieres, immerge themselves in the work of new companies, discover new venues in Brussels – such as the MIMA, which opened its doors in last March – and meet curators and programmers from the Arab World – Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria.
This edition of the visitors’ programme has chosen to disregard national boundaries and to welcome French, Swiss and Arabic companies and organizations. Together with Belgian and foreign theatres, the programme wants to contribute to the emergence of new paradigms for the production and distribution of works and to projects destined for internationalization.
On Thursday 19 May, a happening, showcases, work in progress, a visit to the MIMA and attendance of the new creations of Miet Warlop and Ula Sickle & Daniela Bershan are scheduled. On Friday 20 May in the morning, participants can attend open rehearsals and a few short showcases at La Raffinerie, have lunch at Koolmijnenkaai 30-34 Quai des Charbonnages, after which they can meet partners/artists. At half past six, they can attend dinner and at half past eight one of the four premieres in the framework of Kunstenfestivaldesarts.
Partners of the visitors’ programme are Pro Helvetia (CH) and Théâtre de Vanves (FR), in association with MIMA – Millenium Iconoclast Museum of Arts, La Raffinerie – Charleroi/Danses, the Nationaal Orkest van België/Orchestre national de Belgique, Moussem, Fieldworks, Manyone and Action Scénique with the support of Brussels Invest & Export and the Agence Wallone à l’Exportation et aux Investissements Etrangers. The Boghossian Foundation is the programme’s godfather, which also organizes a round table conference.
