Bozar welcomes new general director Christophe Slagmuylder

Brussels arts centre Bozar has announced the appointment of Christophe Slagmuylder as its general director for a six-year term starting on 1 February.

His appointment by the board of directors followed a rigorous selection process triggered by the death of previous director general Sophie Lauwers earlier this year.

Born in Brussels in 1967, Slagmuylder is a familiar name in the capital’s arts world as a former general and artistic director of the Kunstenfestivaldesarts. Since 2018, he has occupied a similar position at the prestigious multidisciplinary arts festival Festwochen in Vienna.

In a press statement, Bozar cited his Brussels network, his experience with major international collaborations and his feel for contemporary arts in the broadest sense of the word as a seamless fit with its own mission.

Said Slagmuylder: “For me, Bozar is one of those fundamental places that embody artistic and intellectual life in Brussels and in the world, a house that has managed to cross eras and reflect its fluctuations and progress.”

On a personal note he added that he was looking forward to returning to the inspiring context of Brussels. “I think I can safely say that the city and I truly understand each other."

Federal minister of cultural institutions Hadja Lahbib revealed that his selection was a unanimous decision by the board. “I am delighted to see Christophe Slagmuylder - art historian, art director and Brussels native - at the head of Bozar.”

Photo: Saskia Vanderstichele