menu
  • The Word Radio
  • hub heroes
  • The Brussels Bike Hundred
  • Search
The Word Magazine

Neighbourhood life, 
art and music
made in Belgium

menu
  • The Word Radio
  • hub heroes
  • The Brussels Bike Hundred
  • Search
The Word magazine

Follow us

The Export Edition

Order our latest issue, The Export Edition

Neighbourhood life

Belgium building

Discussing iconic Belgian architecture with urban planners, architects, writers and curators.

Do the right thing

Weekly listings of exhibitions, concerts, openings, parties and events to do over the weekend.

Area codes

Local heroes reveal their favourite neighbourhood hotspots and hangouts – from bars and bookshops to restaurants and galleries.

This is Belgium

The best Belgian-only art, food, photography, music, travel, architecture and neighbourhood tips from the magazine’s team of editors.

hub heroes

We team up with hub.brussels, Brussels’ Business Support Agency, and shine a light on 50 of the Region’s start-up success stories driving the capital city’s economic landscape forward. From the eco-conscious manufacturer to the technology-enabled post-production imprint, our 50-strong selection of portraits and interviews plays testament to the Region’s dense and dynamic culture of entrepreneurship.

The Brussels Bike Hundred

We’re teaming up with Bike for Brussels to put together a 100-strong selection of local heroes shaping the city each in their own way. From designers and DJs to performers and publishers, these are the creatives riding Brussels forward.

The Mechelen Hundred

Nestled between Brussels and Antwerp, Mechelen has often been overshadowed by its larger neighbours. Yet teaming up with the City of Mechelen, our line-up of 100 of the city’s most prominent people, places and projects proves the extent of its potential. From artists and creatives to critical thinkers and fighters, these are the powerhouses driving Mechelen forward one step at a time.

The House Hundred

We’re teaming up with Bulldog to select 100 essential people, places and projects in Belgian house music. From producers and DJs to record labels and festivals, these are the forces driving the homegrown house scene forward, one BPM at a time.

The Leuven Hundreds

We’ve joined forces with Leuven to highlight 100 local people, places and projects that contribute towards making the city what it is today. From artists and architects to producers and professors, these are the driving forces powering Leuven forward one ingenious initiative at a time.

The Antwerp Hundreds

We've teamed up with This is Antwerp to bring you The Antwerp Hundreds, a 100-strong selection of local movers and shakers setting the tone for the neighbourhood of tomorrow.

Art

On-design

An in-depth look at the work of Belgian design studios, published monthly.

Favourite Belgian movies

Selections of essential Belgian movies handpicked by artistic directors, curators and all-round cinema connoisseurs.

Curator talks

Intimate conversations with curators dissecting the ambitions, intentions and narratives of their recently opened exhibitions.

Exhibition reviews

Visual documentaries of recently opened contemporary art exhibitions in Belgium.

Portfolio reports

Reviewing the practice of Belgium-based artists through in-depth looks at their recent works.

Studio visits

Exploring the environments and artistic spaces of some of the country’s foremost contemporary artists.

The art throwaway project

Insights into the lives of local contemporary art movers and shakers through our office Quicksnaps.

Music

Exclusive mixes

Hour-long mixes recorded by the crème de la crème of Belgian DJs and producers exclusively for us.

Favourite Belgian releases

Selections of essential Belgian tracks handpicked by local tastemakers, from DJs and producers to record label heads and record store clerks.

The music throwaway project

Backstage antics, tour tales and onstage adventures with some of the country’s most exciting musical talents captured with our office Quicksnaps.

  • Search
The Word magazine
  • Brussels
  • Belgium
  • Music
  • Photography
  • Antwerp
  • Arts
  • Ghent
  • We love
  • Exhibitions
  • Lifestyle
  • Weekend
  • Culture
  • Contemporary art
  • Talent
  • What to do
  • Concert
  • Interviews
  • On the radar
  • Behind the scenes
  • Fashion
  • Design
menu The Word Magazine

Neighbourhood life, 
art and music
made in Belgium

Follow us

Art Curator talks
“A masterclass in global art gallery practice.” Elizabeth Dee and Vincent Honoré on Independent Brussels 2018 breaking the art fair mould with performance

“A masterclass in global art gallery practice.” Elizabeth Dee and Vincent Honoré on Independent Brussels 2018 breaking the art fair mould with performance

Ever challenging preconceived notions of art fair and its market rationales, founder Elizabeth Ann Dee and independent curator Vincent Honoré discuss the evolution of the art world, the power of performance and the brighter side of curation ahead of this year's Independent Brussels.

Art Curator talks
Ballon Rouge Collective curator Evelyn Simons on collective speculation

Ballon Rouge Collective curator Evelyn Simons on collective speculation

We put a few questions to Brussels-based curator Evelyn Simons on her current exhibition with Philip Janssens, about being at the forefront of an international movement, and why they needed a thousand tulips.

Art Curator talks
“We’d rather invite the guys you probably never heard of.” Splḗn co-founder Felix Claus on the next energetic edition

“We’d rather invite the guys you probably never heard of.” Splḗn co-founder Felix Claus on the next energetic edition

With the next edition of energetic festival Splḗn hosted this coming weekend, we put a few questions to co-founder Felix Claus about breaking the music festival mould, championing up-and-coming artists and how to keep energy levels high.

Art Curator talks
“I want to create something that can stand on its own.” Midnight Chardonnay founder Mamiko Motto on the debut edition of her nomadic festival concept

“I want to create something that can stand on its own.” Midnight Chardonnay founder Mamiko Motto on the debut edition of her nomadic festival concept

With the first edition of Midnight Chardonnay hosted this coming Saturday at Antwerp's Het Bos, we put a few questions to founder Mamiko Motto.

Art Curator talks
“Fighting against an unequal relationship”: Kaaitheater’s Katleen Van Langendonck on WoWmen! 2018

“Fighting against an unequal relationship”: Kaaitheater’s Katleen Van Langendonck on WoWmen! 2018

Brussels-based performing arts centre Kaaitheater’s artistic programmer Katleen Van Langendonck spills the beans on this year’s program of WoWmen!, kicking off this Monday 5th.

Art Curator talks
Interrogating the individual: Island’s Emmanelle Indekeu on Me, me, me, me

Interrogating the individual: Island’s Emmanelle Indekeu on Me, me, me, me

Curator Emmanuelle Indekeu unpicks the temporality and pertinence of bringing artists together for Brussels-based gallery Island's current exhibition, whilst tapping into her own creative inspirations

Art Curator talks
Digging deep into the Acker process: Florian Fischer on To Name Herstory

Digging deep into the Acker process: Florian Fischer on To Name Herstory

It's your last chance to catch To Name Herstory, and director Florian Fischer gives his own interrogative take on Kathy Acker's intentions and discusses the challenges of transforming her work into theatre for the occasion.

Art Curator talks
Bridging the makers with the viewers: Eva Van Tongeren on Visite’s fourth edition

Bridging the makers with the viewers: Eva Van Tongeren on Visite’s fourth edition

With the opening night of their fourth edition set at Brussels' Beursschouwburg this Wednesday, the rest of Visite will be carried out in its home-base Het Bos till 3rd of March.

Art Curator talks
On battling indifference

On battling indifference

Based off of an interview with S.M.A.K.'s Philippe Van Cauteren, a manifesto concerning the power of museums in battling indifference and its ability to shape engaged and motivated individuals.

Art Curator talks
From riots to regeneration: Operational Aesthetics opens today at CIVA in Brussels

From riots to regeneration: Operational Aesthetics opens today at CIVA in Brussels

We consider the transformative effect of Neighbourhood Contracts on Brussels' landscape, economy and social cohesion. 

Art Curator talks
Perpetual Uncertainty: a talk with Z33 curator Ils Huygens

Perpetual Uncertainty: a talk with Z33 curator Ils Huygens

Z33 curator Ils Huygens bridges art and science with Perpetual Uncertainty, exploring contemporary nuclear science's omnipresence in our lives.

Art Curator talks
visionandfactory’s Hugo Puttaert on Integrated 2017’s urgent manifesto

visionandfactory’s Hugo Puttaert on Integrated 2017’s urgent manifesto

Curator Hugo Puttaert shares the aims and visions involved in this year's Integrated conference, which will be held at Antwerp's deSingel over the next two days.

Art Curator talks
The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 5: The Aesthetics of Abundance

The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 5: The Aesthetics of Abundance

A "thrilling adventure of the real": how plastics facilitated formal innovation in the 1960s.

Art Curator talks
The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 4: Design as a Trojan Horse

The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 4: Design as a Trojan Horse

Was American design in the 1970s protest or pure innovation?

Art Curator talks
MuHKA’s Bart De Baere on the contemporary art institution’s recent expansion

MuHKA’s Bart De Baere on the contemporary art institution’s recent expansion

We talk to Bart De Baere, MuHKA's director, about the institution's recent changes, choices and visions for the future.

Art Curator talks
The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 3: The Capsule, the Conquest of Space Takes Form

The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 3: The Capsule, the Conquest of Space Takes Form

Plastics during the Golden Sixties: from sci-fi memoribilia to Cold War décor.

Art Curator talks
Curator Eva Wittocx on Dirk Braeckman’s show for the Belgian Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennial

Curator Eva Wittocx on Dirk Braeckman’s show for the Belgian Pavilion at this year’s Venice Biennial

A silent momentum amidst the busy Venice Biennial.

Art Curator talks
Construction and innovation at Hasselt’s Z33 House for Contemporary Art

Construction and innovation at Hasselt’s Z33 House for Contemporary Art

A candid interview with the institution's artistic director Jan Boelen on moving beyond the traditional exhibition program, heritage and future endeavors.

Art Curator talks
The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 2: Plastics Utopia

The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 2: Plastics Utopia

"Plastic can accomplish all the transformations anyone might require of it."

Art Curator talks
Passa Porta Festival director Ilke Froyen selects her favourite Belgian books

Passa Porta Festival director Ilke Froyen selects her favourite Belgian books

With the two-day festival kicking off today, director Ilke Froyen handpicks a selection of contemporary and lesser-known titles.

Art Curator talks
An intimate discussion with contemporary art space Netwerk’s two new artistic directors

An intimate discussion with contemporary art space Netwerk’s two new artistic directors

We talk ethos and implementation with the space's new artistic directors

Art Curator talks
Vizion, a new magazine capturing the country’s graffiti scene

Vizion, a new magazine capturing the country’s graffiti scene

An interview with the publisher of the 170-pages strong annual magazine whose first edition was released two weeks ago at Brussels' bombing mecca, Montana shop.

Art Curator talks
The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 1: Pop Functionalism and Mass Production.

The six sequences of ADAM’s collection, part 1: Pop Functionalism and Mass Production.

In the first instalment of a six-part series, we take a detailed look at Brussels’ Art and Design Atomium Museum's Pop Functionalism and Mass Production movement.

Art Curator talks
Curator Wim Waelput on Dorothy Iannone’s current show at KIOSK in Ghent

Curator Wim Waelput on Dorothy Iannone’s current show at KIOSK in Ghent

A discussion with Wim Waelput, founding director of Ghent-based non-profit KIOSK and curator of the art space’s current show, Lineage of Love by Dorothy Iannone, on until the end of the month.

Art Curator talks
Nathalie Vanheule on her group show En Flamme

Nathalie Vanheule on her group show En Flamme

We talk sharing, exchanging and how individualism and narcissism are out.

Art Curator talks
Katerina Gregos on Cabinet d’Amis, an exhibition of Jan Hoet’s private collection

Katerina Gregos on Cabinet d’Amis, an exhibition of Jan Hoet’s private collection

We sit down with the Art Brussels curator to talk about the Jan Hoet show that runs alongside the fair.

Art Curator talks
Balls & Glory, a group show of nine emerging Belgian artists

Balls & Glory, a group show of nine emerging Belgian artists

The show's five curators discuss initial intentions, selection process and how they decided on the exhibition's name.

Art Curator talks
Curator Ils Huygens on artist Jasper Rigole

Curator Ils Huygens on artist Jasper Rigole

Ils Huygens talks to us about artist Jasper Rigole's new exhibition, now on view at Hasselt's Z33.

Art Curator talks
M Museum’s Eva Wittocx on Sarah Morris

M Museum’s Eva Wittocx on Sarah Morris

Curator Eva Wittocx shares a word with us on British artist Sarah Morris and her work currently on display at Museum M in Leuven.

Art Curator talks
Wim Clauwaert on WIELS’ Art Book Fair

Wim Clauwaert on WIELS’ Art Book Fair

We talk to WIELS' Art Book Fair organiser Wim Clauwaert about running the newly expanded and multi-discipline fair.

Art Curator talks
Pauline Hatzigeorgiou on Art On Paper

Pauline Hatzigeorgiou on Art On Paper

Art on Paper curator Pauline Hatzigeorgiou talks changing directions for the fair's fifth edition, taking place at Bozar.

Art Curator talks
Freek Lomme at Z33

Freek Lomme at Z33

Freek Lomme delves into the poetics of tactility in his recently opened exhibition at Z33.

Art Curator talks
Didier Vervaeren on The Belgians at BOZAR

Didier Vervaeren on The Belgians at BOZAR

With The Belgians, his recently-opened exhibition at Bozar, Didier Vervaeren lays out the ins and outs of this curatorial project.

Art Curator talks
SMAK’s Iris Paschalidis on Jef Geys

SMAK’s Iris Paschalidis on Jef Geys

SMAK's Iris Paschalidis opens up on curating Jef Geys' recent exhibit

Art Curator talks
Wim Lambrecht on Tabula Rasa

Wim Lambrecht on Tabula Rasa

LUCA's Wim Lambrecht discussed curating his recent exhibition 'Tabula Rasa,' showing now at Dr. Guislain Museum

Art Curator talks
44 Gallery’s Luc Rabaey on Collage & Photography

44 Gallery’s Luc Rabaey on Collage & Photography

We discuss Gallery 44's recently-opened show Collage & Photography with its founder Luc Rabaey

Art Curator talks
M Museum’s Eva Wittocx on Peter Buggenhout

M Museum’s Eva Wittocx on Peter Buggenhout

We talk to M Museum's senior curator Eva Wittocx about her exhibition of Belgian contemporary artist Peter Buggenhout's work.

Art Curator talks
Curator talk: Devrim Bayar on Le Musée des Erreurs

Curator talk: Devrim Bayar on Le Musée des Erreurs

WIELS curator Devrim Bayar talks about her latest show, Pierre Leguillon's Le Musée des Erreurs.

Art Curator talks
Curator talk: Frits Gierstberg on Faces now

Curator talk: Frits Gierstberg on Faces now

We put a few questions to the curator of Bozar's recently opened group show of portrait photography, FACES NOW.

Art Curator talks
Curator talk: Devrim Bayar and Robert Heinecken

Curator talk: Devrim Bayar and Robert Heinecken

We talk starting points and focus with Devrim Bayar, curator of Wiels' recently opened exhibition on Robert Heinecken.

Art Curator talks
An interview with Poppositions founder Liv Vaisberg

An interview with Poppositions founder Liv Vaisberg

"We don’t just want to be the kind of off-fair that shows the artists who got rejected by the official one..."

Art Curator talks
APE founder Jurgen Maelfeyt on The Molem Collective

APE founder Jurgen Maelfeyt on The Molem Collective

A limited-run record, a sneaker fiend talking about his obsession and classic hip hop productions. Comes pretty close to nirvana.

Art Curator talks
An interview with Belgian photographer Maroeskja Lavigne

An interview with Belgian photographer Maroeskja Lavigne

Maroeskja Lavigne's series on Iceland resulted in her being the only Belgian photographer to be nominated for Foam's Talent Issue. We caught up with the 22 year old to talk David Lynch and the relationship between humans and the natural world.

Art Curator talks
The Word magazine

We go pro with Karim

On the last day of Design September we dashed between presentations from the dons of the European design award scene and talks from product packaging pack before sitting down for a speedy cappuccino with a very candy striped Karim Rashid It was the closing event of Design September – the professionals’ day – with conferences […]

The Word Magazine is Belgium’s leading English-speaking free media platform, documenting and championing the best in neighbourhood living, music and art. Published every two months, the magazine is distributed in over 500 distribution points across the country.

Design & development by Variable

Like us
Follow us
Follow us again



Listen to us

About us

Contact us

Over 100 residents, all Belgian or based in Belgium.

Listen to The Word Radio live, 24/7