Kunstenfestivaldesarts Returns to Brussels for Its 30th Anniversary Edition

BRUSSELS – The renowned Kunstenfestivaldesarts is set to make its highly anticipated return to Brussels this May, marking its 30th edition with an eclectic showcase of contemporary artistic creation.

Spanning from 9 to 31 May, the festival will take over approximately 30 venues across the city, featuring an array of performances in theatre, dance, visual arts, and performance art.

This year’s festival will present 34 artistic projects, including 16 world premieres, created by artists from 26 different countries. Organizers have promised a programme that explores themes of poetry, ecstasy, and the intangible elements of human experience.

“Poetry and ecstasy, the invisible, the inaudible, and the intangible run as a thread through this anniversary’s edition,” stated the City of Brussels in a press release.

The statement also highlighted the festival’s Free School initiative, titled “The School of Fireflies,” which aims to address the preservation of artistic and cultural elements at risk of fading from collective memory.

Expanding Horizons

A staple of Brussels’ cultural landscape, the Kunstenfestivaldesarts continues to push boundaries by incorporating new spaces alongside its traditional venues.

While the festival has long collaborated with many of the city’s established theatres, this edition will also guide audiences to fresh and unconventional locations, further broadening the scope of artistic exploration.

At the heart of this year’s festival will be the Beursschouwburg arts centre, which is set to become the festival’s central hub. The venue will feature an open-air cinema and a free nightlife programme, creating a dynamic space for artistic engagement and social interaction.

A Lineup of Esteemed and Emerging Artists

The festival will welcome back several distinguished artists who have captivated audiences in past editions. Among them are Nadia Beugré, Carolina Bianchi, Radouan Mriziga, Alex Baczyński-Jenkins, Trajal Harrell, Adeline Rosenstein, Jaha Koo, Cherish Menzo, Lia Rodrigues, and William Kentridge.

Their contributions to contemporary performance and visual arts have cemented their reputations on the international stage, making their return a highly anticipated feature of the programme.

Alongside returning figures, the festival will introduce fresh artistic voices, including Alberto Cortés, Justice Kasongo Dibwe, Romina Paula, Anacarsis Ramos, Mette Ingvartsen, Mang Tri Ray Dewantara, Rébecca Chaillon, Try Anggara, and Nicolas Mouzet Tagawa, among others.

Their participation highlights the festival’s commitment to fostering new talent and promoting diverse artistic expressions from around the globe.

Tickets and Programme Details

Audiences eager to experience the rich programme of performances can access the full festival lineup on the official Kunstenfestivaldesarts website. Ticket sales are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, 9 April, at 11:00.

With its extensive range of artistic disciplines, international participation, and innovative approach to programming, the 30th edition of the Kunstenfestivaldesarts is poised to be a landmark event in Brussels’ cultural calendar, celebrating three decades of artistic excellence and experimentation.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members