Providing an answer to the huge lack of space for artists, performers and dancers in Brussels, Bodies in Space offers space to create, present and encounter. 

Our story started in Mercerie. Practice makes perfect.

---

March 2023. Mercerie, a multidisciplinary cultural space, opens in Rue Van Artevelde. Designed by renowned architect Victor Horta, the protected 1.800m² building had been empty for 50 years. Between March 2023 and July 2024 Mercerie welcomed over 500 artists to create and present their work. During this short span of time, Mercerie became an established fixture in the Brussels art landscape, thanks to their clear focus on offering a place for experiment, inclusivity and young, emerging (and often under-represented) talent. Having Brussels’ institutes Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Collectible, KANAL en Kaaitheater organise events here as well, only cemented Mercerie’s reputation.

Mercerie offered free presentation space, combined with a short residency period and technical support, making it a one of a kind operation in Brussels. The project exceeded all expectations and received attention and visitors from all over Europe. That’s why it was never an option to stop after Mercerie closed its doors. Brussels needs this kind of barrier-free, affordable creation and presentation space.  

In Sint-Agatha-Berchem we stumbled upon this empty 3.500 m² office building, designed by Constantin Brodzki, who also designed the iconic CBR building in Watermael-Boitsfort. This place will enable us to continue and significantly expand our operation at the same time, making it a stepping stone for even more young talents. For at least two years, we (*) will have the keys to this building.

We chose the name Bodies in Space because this is a building in movement. Spread across all its different floors, our residents will create synergy.

Apart from a communal space and production atelier, the ground floor hosts all sorts of public events like performances, exhibitions, talks, screenings or concerts. Three floors with an open floor (or plateaus) are set up as creation spaces and made available for dance and performance residencies and as a shared artist atelier. In the former office spaces on the top floor, individual artists or small collectives are able to use a private ateliers, to fully focus on their work.

Bodies in Space aims to become a new home for the contemporary Brussels scene: performers, students, organisers, ... Everyone is welcome here to experiment with their idea. We bridge the gap between creator and audience, between non-professional and professional.

* “We” is Miauw vzw: a not-for-profit organization from Brussels. We create temporary cultural playgrounds for artists and performers. You may know us from previous projects Mercerie and Catclub.