Find out all about Belgian art and culture during your study stay in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation
A true crossroads of major artistic influences, Belgium has always welcomed a large number of artists and often puts itself forward as a place of innovation for new movements. Thus the country boasts a great deal of evidence of the major architectural and artistic fashions over the years. The cathedrals and belfries bear witness to this, still today decorating the Belgian cities of art, along with the countless castles that dot its countryside. Not to mention Brussels, which became the capital of Art Nouveau in the 20th century. So many works explaining the unbelievable architectural wealth of Belgium.
Fun fact !
Belgium is the country with the most castles per km2
Find out all about Belgian painting and comic book drawing during your study stay in French-speaking Belgium
If Belgium bursts with castles and other architectural monuments, it is also well known for its painters and magnificent works. From Pierre-Paul Rubens, to Antoine Van Dyck, Jan Van Eyck and Pierre Brueghel, Belgium is the birthplace of numerous painters of the past. But it is also such for more recent artists, like Paul Delvaux or René Magritte, today exhibited in museums the world over. And with the largest concentration of comic book authors in the world, Belgium is also an excellent hub for this unique art form. Some of the most well-known include Hergé (Tintin), Peyo (Les Schtroumpfs), Edgar P. Jacobs (Blake and Mortimer), Morris (Lucky Luke), André Franquin (Marsupilami), Willy Vandersteen (Bob and Bobette) and many others!
The many Belgian talents
Today, other Belgian talents are being noted As is the case, for example, on the international musical scene, with Angèle, Milow, Selah Sue or Hooverphonic. In cinema, a new generation of directors, like Jaco Van Dormael, Bouli Lanners and the Dardenne brothers, as well as actors and actresses, like Matthias Schoenaerts, Benoît Poelvoorde and Cécile de France, are being seen and standing out more and more on the international scene.
Belgium, birthplace of fashion
Finally, we should also mention Belgian fashion, among the most influential of the world Whether Belgian-born or foreigners who studied in Belgium, “Belgian” creators are everywhere, from the international studios to the most prestigious catwalk podiums. Demna Gvasalia at Balenciaga, Anthony Vaccarello at Saint-Laurent, Raf Simons first at Dior and then Calvin Klein and Julien Dossena at Paco Rabanne. Reflected in the discretion of the studios, Belgian spirit drives the frameworks of contemporary fashion. Famous creators put the wealth of their education in the Belgian schools of arts to good use on the international scene.
Start out on a discovery of Belgian culture during your study stay!
Whether you are passionate about music, painting, drawing, theatre or cinema, Belgium’s student associations and special services offered by the higher education institutions have plenty of exciting cultural programmes to offer. Open to everyone, these cultural activities allow you to meet other students outside the strictly studying context. All the cultural activities proposed on the website of the higher education institution of your choice can be found there. Exhibitions, concerts, shows and conferences… The universities, university colleges and schools of art are generally located in the centre of the urban cities, offering an exciting cultural life and fair prices.
Full information is available from www.culture.be
Study in French-speaking Belgium and move to the rhythm of the festivals!
Want to have a party with your new friends while listening to good music? Throughout the summer, Belgium and Europe become giant stages, hosting numerous festivals for all styles and tastes!
Did you know ? Belgium is the country with the most festivals per square kilometre! A record number of festivals, unique in the world, where all musical styles find their place. Dour, Werchter, Pukkelpop, Tomorrowland, Esperanzah, Couleur Café, Ardentes, Paradise City, Francos, LaSemo, Ronquières... Our flat country is full of festivals and has made a name for itself as an international reference in the field.
But what makes Belgian festivals so special? Like Belgium, our festivals are very open to the international scene. Moreover, there is a real expertise in our country: over the years, the teams have become more professional, ensuring optimal organisation for both the artists and the public.
What makes a festival successful is above all its identity. More than a musical identity, it is about offering a real "Belgian experience" to the public: atmosphere, decorations, activities, food, relaxation...
