A detailed programme of discursive events and meetings can be found Here.
From September 12-15, 2024, RendezVous will kick off the art year with a weekend of openings, performances, and impromptu meetings at the city’s many contemporary art galleries in Downtown, Midtown, and Uptown.
After the end of Brussels Gallery Weekend (the organisation recently announced the cancellation of Brussels Gallery Weekend after 16 years), Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons, both active in the Brussels arts field and beyond for 10 years, are now launching a new organisation with the support of 53 contemporary art galleries. Their aim is to put Brussels on the international art agenda by celebrating the richness and diversity of the city’s artistic fabric through various events and a discursive programme.
“For us and many others, Brussels is a unique place. Conveniently central, discreetly modest – surrounded by big sisters like London and Paris, but full of a creative energy that is downright wild. A metropolis where perfumed fur coats rustle next to dirty rave leather jackets, where day and night collide as Magritte imagined, where you can enjoy an aperitif with a gueuze, a pintje or a good drop of bull. Where young artists can still afford to live and create, while a network of immaculate galleries, renowned institutions and experimental artist-run spaces offer a wealth of impressive exhibitions and transdisciplinary events. A city marked by an enriching diversity, a charming chaos and an avant-garde that has been steady for over 100 years, and where new trends inscribe themselves into a canvas of strong art historical traditions. An inspiring melting pot for local and international artists, curators, gallerists, researchers, philosophers, collectors, art dealers and art lovers.” –Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons, founders of RendezVous
After the summer months, this September RendezVous marks the starting point where all these dynamic artistic forces come back into play. This year, the organization is holding a “soft launch” of this new initiative, which will be celebrated with a fresh identity and will continue until 2025, when the plans will be even more ambitious and varied. The continuation of this momentum is assured thanks to the support of 53 galleries who did not want this event to fall apart.
In addition to the exciting exhibitions from the participating galleries – which include established names such as Xavier Hufkens, Rodolphe Janssen, Galerie Greta Meert and Baronian as well as newcomers Gauli Zitter, Grège, KIN, Espace Constantin Chariot and Lodovico Corsini – the RendezVous team has put together an itinerary that includes performances, artist talks and guided tours, focusing on different parts of the city each day.
Founders Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons have both been active in the Brussels art scene and beyond for ten years. Laure has worked for galleries such as Almine Rech Gallery, Albert Baronian and Axel Vervoordt and has been a consultant focusing on fundraising for WIELS, La Loge and Netwerk Aalst. She was a founding member of Elders Collectief.
Evelyn has worked as a curator, both freelance (FOMU Antwerp, Fondazione Prada, Casino Luxembourg, KANAL Centre Pompidou and others) and in artistic leadership roles at Horst Arts & Music and Fondation CAB. She regularly writes artist statements, exhibition texts and exhibition reviews for national and international publications.
Their complementary backgrounds combine experience working with galleries, private foundations and public institutions, working on strategy, development, partnerships and fundraising, and curating and writing about contemporary art. They are passionate about the richness and diversity of the Brussels art scene and are excited to combine their expertise, ambitions and network for this celebration of contemporary art in a city they both call home.
Participating galleries: Alice Gallery, Almine Rech, Ballon Rouge, Baronian, BEIGE, Belgian Gallery, De Brock Gallery, Damien & The Love Guru, Dépendance, Espace Constantin Chariot, Esther Verhaege Art Concepts, Felix Frachon Gallery, Frédérick Mouraux Gallery, Galerie Christophe Gaillard, Galerie de la Béraudière, Galerie Dys, Galerie Eric Mouchet, Galerie Greta Meert, Galerie La Forest Divonne, Galerie Nathalie Obadia, Galerie La Patinoire Royale Bach, Gauli Zitter, Gladstone Gallery, Grège Gallery, Harlan Levey Projects, Hopstreet Gallery, Irène Laub Gallery, Jan Mot, KIN, Lee Bauwens Gallery, LMNO, Lodovico Corsini, Martins Montero, MARUANI MERCIER, Meessen, Mendes Wood DM, Michel Rein, Modesti Pedriolle Gallery, Montoro 12, Nino Mier Gallery, Nosbaum Reding, Pierre Marie Giraud, QG Gallery, Rodolphe Janssen, Unfortunately closed, Spazio Nobile, STEMS Gallery, Super Dakota, SYBIL, Templon, Whitehouse Gallery, Wouters Gallery, Xavier Hufkens.
RendezVous – Brussels Art Week is supported by NECA, Fondation pour les Arts Bruxelles, Visit.Brussels, Art Brussels and GLEAN.
