Brussels Art Week 2024: RendezVous

A detailed programme of discursive events and gatherings can be found here.

From September 12–15, 2024, RendezVous kicks off the artistic year with a weekend of openings, performances, and spontaneous get-togethers throughout the city’s many contemporary art galleries, downtown, midtown and uptown. ​

​Following the end of the Brussels Gallery Weekend (the organisation recently announced the cancellation of the Brussels Gallery Weekend after 16 years), Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons who both have been operating in the Brussels’ art field and beyond for the past 10 years, are now starting 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 variety of the city’s artistic fabric, through various events and a discursive programme.

“For us and for many, Brussels is a unique place. Conveniently central, discreetly humble—surrounded by big sisters such as London and Paris, but brimming with a creative energy that is ferocious. A metropolis where perfumed fur coats rustle against grimy leather rave jackets, where day meets night the way Magritte imagined it, where you can have an apéro with a gueuze, a pintje ou bien une coupe des bulles. Where young artists can still afford to live and create, whilst a network of immaculate galleries, renowned institutions and experimental artist-run spaces offer a plethora of impressive exhibitions and transdisciplinary events. A city defined by an enriching diversity, a charming chaos, an avant-garde that has been going steady for over 100 years, and where new trends inscribe themselves onto 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 enthusiasts.” ​—Laure Decock & Evelyn Simons, founders RendezVous

After the summer months, this September RendezVous demarcates the starting point for all these dynamic art forces to come into play again. This year, the organisation hosts a ‘soft launch’ of this new initiative, celebrated with a fresh identity, transitioning into 2025 when plans will be even more ambitious and diverse. The continuation of this momentum is secured thanks to the support of 53 galleries, who didn’t want to see this event evaporate.

Alongside the exciting exhibitions programmed by the participating galleries—which includes both established names such as Xavier Hufkens, rodolphe janssen, Galerie Greta Meert and Baronian next to newcomers Gauli Zitter, Grège, KIN, Espace Constantin Chariot and Lodovico Corsini - the RendezVous team has assembled an itinerary including performances, artist talks and guided tours, focussing on various parts of town every day.

​Founders Laure Decock and Evelyn Simons have both been operating in the Brussels’ art field and beyond for the past ten years. Laure has worked for galleries such as Almine Rech Gallery, Albert Baronian and Axel Vervoordt, and served as a consultant with focus on fundraising for WIELS, La Loge and Netwerk Aalst. She was a founding member of Elders Collectief.

Evelyn has been active as a curator, both freelance (FOMU Antwerp, Fondazione Prada, Casino Luxemburg, KANAL Centre Pompidou, and others) as well as in artistic directional 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 experiences in working with galleries, private foundations and public institutions; working on strategy, development, partnerships and fundraising; as well as curating and writing on contemporary art. Passionate about the richness and variety of the Brussels’ art scene, they are excited to bundle their expertise, ambitions and network for this celebration of contemporary art in a city they both call home.

RendezVous—Brussels Art Week is supported by NECA, Fondation pour les Arts Bruxelles, Visit.Brussels, Art Brussels and GLEAN.