Opening Spring Assembly

Discussion + Informal drink

Why do we want Molenbeek to be the European Capital of Culture in 2030?

The application deadline is fast approaching: on September second, we will submit our candidacy to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030 to the European jury. It is now time for an update on our progress! The co-mission holders Fatima Zibouh and Jan Goossens, along with the entire Molenbeek for Brussels team, will share the ambitions about the candidacy, outline the four key themes, and share the vision for Molenbeek with all its richness and challenges.

Which milestones have we already reached and what lies ahead in our journey? How can we harness the power of art and culture in this ambitious social and urban project, with the support of Molenbeek and Brussels residents? We invite you to join us for a reflective discussion in a celebratory atmosphere at Karreveld Castle in Molenbeek on Wednesday, 17 April, from 15:00 to 17:00. This will be followed by an appetizer and a convivial moment until 19:00.

Speakers

Fatima Zibouh (Molenbeek for Brussels 2030) is co-head of mission for Brussels’ bid to become European Capital of Culture. With a doctorate in political science, Fatima Zibouh is a specialist in inclusion and diversity, and its cultural dimensions.

Jan Goossens (Molenbeek for Brussels 2030) was appointed co-mission holder of Brussels2030 in 2021. He studied literature and philosophy in Antwerp, Leuven and London. He was artistic director of KVS in Brussels from 2001 to 2016, and general director of the Festival de Marseille from 2016 to 2022. Since 2015, he has also been co-artistic director of the festival Dream City in Tunis, together with Selma and Sofiane Ouissi. Jan Goossens has been working on the intersection of artistic creation and metropolitan coexistence, in Europe and in the ‘Global South’, for more than two decades.