What’s on this week: 3-9 February

Spanish art is showcased at the Affordable Art Fair Brussels’ 2023 edition. Discover the southern Mediterranean country’s creativity via a host of invited galleries. As the title of this popular annual event suggests, the art works on sale are for all tastes and budgets with prices clearly on display. In total, some 600 emerging and established artists are present at the fair and works include paintings, prints, photos, sculpture and installations. 8-12 February, Tour & Taxis, Avenue du Port 86C

Independent art fair Artists Print is celebrating its 10th anniversary at new venue Maison des Arts. Renowned in the world of micro-publishing, the fair gathers some 40 exhibitors from Belgium, France and other European countries. Organised by Jeunesse et Arts Plastiques, it promotes art books as well as emerging talents from art schools in Brussels. Other activities include talks, screenings and exhibitions. 3-5 February, Maison des Arts, Chaussée de Haecht (Schaerbeek)

It’s unique in Europe and finally arrives in Brussels for its third edition. Menart Fair is dedicated the art of the Middle East and North Africa, presenting around 100 modern and contemporary art and design works by some 60 artists, represented by 20 international galleries. Visitors can expect a varied and colourful display from highly talented and diverse creators. 3-5 February Boghossian Foundation - Villa Empain, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Corsica is the guest country at the Salon des Vacances this weekend. Each year, the winter event inspires thousands to discover a new holiday destination or activity. Whether you’re looking for a sporting adventure, a classic sun & sea break or a camping trip at home or abroad, head to Brussels Expo for some travel inspiration. Another of the fair’s themes for 2023 is culinary tourism with a Travel Food Festival set to tickle your tastebuds. Until 5 February, Place de la Belgique 1 (Laeken)

Anderlecht’s historic beguinage continues to open its doors to visitors ahead of its official inauguration as a new museum project at the beginning of 2024. After undergoing a major facelift, the gothic architectural gem is welcoming the public on the first Sunday of each month. Don’t miss this opportunity to wander around the rooms of Belgium’s smallest beguinage. Free entry. 5 February, 5 March, 2 April, 7 May, 4 June, 2 July & 6 August, 10.00-17.00, Rue du Chapelain 8 (Anderlecht)

Unless you have been living in a cave, you’ll know that a Belgian film has been nominated for an Oscar for Best International Feature Film. Flagey is celebrating with Belgian at the Academy Awards, a programme of Belgian (co)productions that have been Oscar-nominated in various categories. They run from the well-known (feature films Daens and Everybody’s Famous!) to the less so – the animated short A Greek Tragedy (pictured), the only Belgian film to ever actually win an Academy Award. Until 16 February, Flagey, Place Sainte-Croix (Ixelles)

For the first time, a Lecon de Mode talk – a cooperation among the Fashion & Lace Museum, Modesign Academy and MAD Brussels – is being held in English. Wendy Wiertz, a research fellow from the University of Huddersfield will discuss how Belgian women took to lacemaking as a means to psychologically survive the First World War, and how the iconography of this “war lace” refers directly to the conflict. The talk is followed by a visit to the Fashion & Lace Museum. 7 February 18.30, City Hall, Grand Place

A woman discovers that the man she matched so well with in speed dating was on the opposite side of the Sarajevo conflict. A soldier is returned to her native Ukraine in a prisoner swap only to face as many demons in civilian life as she did on the battlefield. These are just two movies on the programme of Bridges Film Days. Previously dedicated to work from countries just outside the EU, this edition includes films from the Czech Republic, Romania and Croatia as well as Ukraine, Georgia, North Macedonia and Serbia. This is the first time that the eight films are being screened in Belgium. 8-12 February, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Boxing has been a popular sport since the times of ancient Greece, providing a rush of adrenaline to fans watching contests live, as well as from comfort of their own homes. MIMA Museum captures this pugilistic energy in its new exhibition Local Heroes, transforming its interior into a boxing temple. Photographs, posters and installations that capture fighters’ emotions will draw you into the world of boxing. Free entry on opening night. 3 February to May 28, MIMA Museum, Quai du Hainaut 41

The Atomium is going digital in 2023, inviting artists to design the interior of the nine metal spheres with a nod to the future. In collaboration with Visual System, a Paris-based collective of artists who create intricate digital experiences, the Atomium launches its new temporary exhibition Restart plus permanent addition Central. Visitors will be able to experience a hypnotic array of displays and sounds, and immerse themselves into a digital world while going through each of the spheres. From 3 February, Place de l’Atomium 1 (Laeken)

Experience JS Bach in wholly new ways during the Bach Heritage Festival, which incorporates other musical genres for creative and delightful twists on the German master’s work. Check out Das Kapital by Cologne’s Zamus centre, a contemporary take on a church cantata with dance and video. Or Belgian pianist Julien Libeer, whose works by Bach are accompanied by choral pieces from various centuries by Cappella Amsterdam. 9-12 February, Bozar, Rue Ravenstein 23

Full Circle has two exciting upcoming events on the theme of love. On Saturday, the Singles’ Apero is a monthly opportunity to meet other people in a safe and familiar environment. Social interactions, games and drinks will break the ice and ensure that everyone has a good time. It’s followed on 9 February by Kriticos’ Conversations – on Love, a discussion led by Kriticos Mwansa on the theme of love in Bell Hook’s bestseller All About Love: New Visions. Good company, good conversation and a deep dive into this theme could lead to new perspectives and new ideas. The book club meets twice a month, exploring a variety of themes. 4 & 9 February, Full Circle House, Chaussée de Vleurgat 89 (Ixelles)

Book now: Stephen Lynch  American guitarist Stephen Lynch has carved out a niche for himself as a comedy musician. While many satirical singers tend to rely on hilarious lyrics and onstage antics, Lynch is a singing talent beyond all of that, also performing in numerous musicals theatre productions. His quiet approach makes his songs seem like any soft rock you might here on the radio; it takes a keen ear to hear what he’s really saying. 16 February, La Madeleine, 14 Rue Duquesnoy

Outside Brussels 

To this day, no filmmaker in Belgium has surpassed the work of Raoul Servais when it comes to combining animation and live action. A boy during the Second World War, his short animated films are focused on themes of war, persecution and domination. The exhibition Raoul Servais: Memories of War screens several of these films and also includes drawings, paintings and objects from Servais’ own collection. Until 31 May, In Flanders Fields Museum, Grote Markt 34, Ypres

Some 50 international galleries fill this exciting new space dedicated to culture in the Walloon Brbant capital. La Sucrerie in Wavre (pictured) hosts The Fine Art Fair a display of ancient, modern and contemporary art in a former industrial heritage site. Two experts will be available to guide buyers with their acquisitions, while a lunch bar and tea room add to the conviviality of the event. 9-12 February, Chemin de la Sucrerie 2 (Wavre)

Check out more upcoming activities in Belgium at The Bulletin's events page

Photos: AAF Carlo Alberto Rasteli The Night Crawler (€2,600); Menart: Achraf Touloub Untitled -Intervention 2020 Baronian -Brussels; Salon des Vacances 2022 - PepsPhotography; Lecon de Mode (c)Juliette-Wystman; Bridges Film Days ©Maksym Nakonechnyi