WIELS

As one of the leading institutions for contemporary art in Europe, without a permanent collection, WIELS presents temporary exhibitions by national and international artists, both emerging and more established. WIELS is a site of creation and dialogue, in which art and architecture form the bases for a discussion about current events and issues, not only through the exhibition programme, but also through a host of complementary activities. WIELS opened its doors in 2007, in a restored former brewery from the 1930s – designed by Belgian architect Adrien Blomme – and the idea of establishing a centre for contemporary art in the heart of Europe became a reality. Although still relatively young, WIELS has presented more than 65 exhibitions; it has welcomed over 130 residents; and has spearheaded innumerable educational and social-artistic initiatives. The WIELS Residency Programme is an international laboratory for emerging artists from all over the world. It forms a key part of the overall programme of WIELS and is one of its core activities. WIELS provides a unique working environment for artists, so that they can pursue their work and participate in current debates and research regarding contemporary art practices.