Being young in Brussels
Transcription
Being young in Brussels
06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:39 Pagina 1 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:39 Pagina 2 Brussels, a piece of us! Brussels and Flanders form a fascinating story. A story of love and hate, similarities and differences, openness and closed doors, dependency and enrichment. The ties between Brussels and Flanders form a constant theme through the Flemish Government’s policy on Brussels. We would like to strengthen, cherish and publicise these ties. There is still a great deal of work to do. Our vision of the ties between Flanders and Brussels makes us row against the current. In the Flemish Community there are more and more voices which see Brussels as an obstacle to further autonomy. Some Flemish people in Brussels are also calling increasingly loudly for an artificial Brussels community. However, what both these groups fail to see is that Flanders needs Brussels as a capital, as a meeting place with other cultures, as a gateway to the world. Brussels can turn Flanders into an intercultural society. It makes the Flemish Community open and rich. Conversely, Brussels also needs Flanders. In Brussels, the Flemish Community provides a rich network of cultural, educational, health and welfare provisions. Without Flanders, Brussels would become narrow and rigid, cut off from the vital oxygen and energy that it needs. In order to promote this combined action between the Flemish Community and its capital, it is necessary to tackle prejudices. This brochure describes a part of Flanders in Brussels. Flanders is a Brabant city, where hundreds of thousands of Flemish people are still living and working today, together with other cultural communities. Brussels is a piece of us. It is our heart. It is a city to cherish. Bert Anciaux Flemish Minister for Culture, Youth, Sport and Brussels Affairs 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:39 Pagina 1 WORKING, LIVING AND WELFARE Cultural crossroads 2 ———————— Working, living and welfare 12 ———————— Being young in Brussels 20 ———————— Capital of Flanders 28 ———————— BEING YOUNG IN BRUSSELS CULTURAL CROSSROADS 06 Discover the Flemish side of Brussels This brochure introduces you to the Flemish networks in Brussels. Brussels is the capital of Flanders, the Dutch-language part of Belgium, and through the years the Flemish Community has developed a network of provisions which makes Brussels even more attractive for visitors and inhabitants. In culture, welfare, education, youth initiatives – Flemish people have put their mark on Brussels everywhere. Feel free to get to know these Flemish initiatives in Brussels in situ. The list of addresses given after the end of every chapter will help you on your way. The initiatives shown in bold in the text are found in the list of addresses. CAPITAL OF FLANDERS 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:39 Pagina 2 Cultural crossroads The tests of an infinite range of provisions Brussels reveals many faces in the confusion of streets and squares, museums and libraries, markets and boutiques. In the evening, countless concert halls and theatres, cafes and restaurants provide a colourful cocktail of culture and entertainment. In this delicious mixture which is Brussels, the Flemish ingredients provide an extra zing. | Who can say that they know Brussels? | 2 | | CULTURAL CROSSROADS 06 Do you know Brussels? Only very few people will be able to answer this absolutely affirmatively. Even people who have been living in Brussels for years still regularly discover new corners of the city. The Brussels of the Manneken Pis and the Atomium do not resemble the bustling Brussels of the Matongewijk or the exotic chaos of the Zuidmarkt on a Sunday. The impressive Leopoldswijk district, the high-rise buildings at the Noord station, the majestic avenues and symmetrical parks are every bit as much a part of Brussels as the small streets with hidden restaurants and cafes and unexpected meetings around every corner. 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:40 Pagina 3 s Classical cultural facilities Lovers of culture can find something to do every day in Brussels. When you think of culture it is impossible to ignore a number of great Belgium institutes. For example in the Jubelpark museum – part of the Royal Museums for Art and History – there is a very diverse collection of objects, ranging from the Egyptian civilisation to medieval retables and tapestries, and pre-Columbian art. Approximately 20,000 paintings, sculptures and drawings are stored or exhibited in the four museums which form part of the Royal Museums for Fine Arts . On the Kunstberg, the Palace of Fine Arts, or Bozar , opens up its large halls to exhibitions, concerts, dance and all sorts of | This district is the heart of the Brussels fashion world. Anyone who would like to discover this can start at Modo Bruxellae in the Léon Lepagestraat. This organisation brings together young designers and businesses, awards prizes, arranges stock sales and organises the well known Stylists event every two years. De Markten , one of the 22 Flemish community centres in Brussels, is close by on the attractive Oude Graanmarkt. Cultural and other activities take place in the renovated old exhibition halls of the Val Saint-Lambert glass factory. The café of De Markten is a pleasant meeting place where you can get to know many Flemish people in Brussels while you have a drink and a bite to eat. | 3 | | Downtown Brussel? At the moment one of the trendiest districts is close to the Beurs, around the Oude and Nieuwe Graanmarkt, the Sint Katelijneplein and the Sint-Gorikswijk district. This rather dilapidated district has been given a new lease of life since the 1990s. Artists, writers, film makers, designers, often Dutch speaking, found homes there or a place to work. The central artery is the Dansaertstraat with art galleries, fashion shops, antique shops, cafes and restaurants alternating with traditional commercial shops. 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:40 Pagina 4 other activities. The film museum can be found in the same location. Five film classics can be seen there every day of the year. The Stripmuseum in the Zandstraat is also well known in Brussels and beyond. It is accommodated in a splendid building designed by Victor Horta. Furthermore, the strip walk determines the look of the streets in various places in Brussels Bubbles It is also possible to quench your thirst with a typical Brussels brew: the “geuze”. This beer is the result of a mixture of brews of different ages which ferment spontaneously for a second time in the bottle. Traditionally, it is said that Geuze can only be brewed in the Zenne valley, because the right wild yeasts are found only there. The Geuze is a mild foaming beer with a rather sour taste which is every bit as good as champagne, according to the people of Brussels. The fact that Brussels is a city of beer is also clear from Brussels cuisine, in which rabbit with Geuze or with Kriek is a traditional dish. And how else can you describe a city which has both a Geuze museum, a beer museum | and a brewery museum? | 4 | | CULTURAL CROSSROADS 06 Brussels, with enlarged cartoons on blind walls. Obviously the Munt Theatre should not be left off the list. This is the celebrated opera house which is one of the best in Europe. In addition to these classical Belgian institutions, there are many well known Brussels cultural centres which have developed specifically from the Flemish community. Through the years, the Flemish community has built up a network of cultural initiatives which help to give the city life and culture of Brussels extra character. In fact, one museum is devoted to this, the Archives and Museum of Flemish Life in Brussels (AMVB) , which also keeps and studies the archives of many Flemish-Brussels organisations. Meanwhile, a striking number of these Flemish cultural institutions have become part of the establishment, often accommodated in beautifully restored historical locations. They have something else in common: they enter into a dialogue and work, sometimes very intensively, with the other language and cultural communities in Brussels. In front of the footlights For example, the Kaaitheater is located in the canal zone, on the Sainctelette Square. This art centre has historically focused on innovative theatre, dances and concerts. In addition to its own productions a great deal of attention is also devoted to co-productions, and the Kaaitheater puts 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:40 Pagina 5 < THE CAFÉ OF DE MARKTEN IS A PLEASANT MEETING PLACE WHERE YOU CAN GET TO KNOW MANY FLEMISH PEOPLE IN BRUSSELS. < < BRUSSELS CULTURAL CENTRES LIKE THE BEURSSCHOUWBURG AND THE AMVB HAVE DEVELOPED SPECIFICALLY FROM THE FLEMISH COMMUNITY. on large-scale productions with an international image both in Belgium and abroad. The Kaaitheater also has one of the largest stages in Brussels. For smaller productions, it moved to the nearby Kaaitheater studios, in a former brewery. It was in the Kaaitheater, that Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker found a stage to launch her career. Meanwhile her dance company Rosas has become the home company of the Munt. The international dance school P.A.RT.S. also developed from this cooperation. mental work from Flanders and abroad. Dance, performance, music, theatre and all sorts of combinations are all possible in the Beursschouwburg. Live in the AB | Another cultural centre in the centre of the city is the now almost legendary concert hall Ancienne Belgique , on the Anspachlaan. Lou Reed, The Cure, Red Hot Chili Peppers have all played there, but Flemish rock, Slightly closer to the centre is the Royal Flemish initiatives, but in world music and other genres also appear on the programme. For more Flemish Theater , abbreviated KVS. In a dialogue with other intimate concerts there is the Club. this historical theatre, one of the oldest communities Another popular venue is the Flagey and most beautiful theatres in Brussels, building which accommodates the Flemish Radio our own actors and directors are producing plays for a Orchestra, the Flemish Radio Choir and the Flemish broad general public, but foreign productions and compaBrussels media. The artistic activities focus on visual art nies are also staged there. The KVS does not lose sight of and music and transcend the communities. In the future, the urban reality, resulting for example in productions the Flagey can develop to become a Flemish art centre that together with young immigrants in the district. is open to other cultures. Of course the French language community in Brussels also Close to the Grote Markt and the Beurs, the has its own cultural centres, the best known of which is the Beursschouwburg determines the appearance of the Théâtre National on the Emile Jacqmainlaan, the street. The emphasis there is on a mixture of disciplines Hallen in Schaarbeek, and the Botanique . In fact, the and genres, of art and everyday life, local and internationFlemish and French language cultural institutions regularal talent. The Beursschouwburg supports and stimulates ly co-operate on productions, events, etc. One example of talented young people and is not afraid of staging experi| 5 | | 06 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 6 The tentacles of the Zinneke the Zinneke Parade . Literally from every corner of the city, colourful streams of Brussels inhabitants came to the centre to celebrate their city. This ode to creativity range of social and artistic activities in the Kapellekerk station of Brussels that is no longer used as a station. This ranges from music, clubbing, multi media, to the visual arts and design and workshops, training and what they call themselves “conquering the public space”. takes place every two years in May and is supported by French, Dutch and other language associations and artists who perform their acts in creative workshops in the districts of Brussels across every discipline and culture. The parade focuses on the Brussels identity, the cosmopolitan and multicultural wealth of the city. The name Zinneke is not arbitrary. In the Brussels dialect, a Zinneke is a street dog, i.e., someone of mixed origin, a mixture of Flemish, Walloon, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, English, German and other races. this cooperation is the international Passa Porta house of literature in the Dansaertstraat, a combined initiative of the literary associations Het Beschrijf and Entrez Lire . | In addition to the established centres, new initiatives are constantly emerging in the lively city of Brussels. In many cases it is not even possible to say from which language community they have developed. One of the most striking in recent years is Recyclart , which is developing a broad | 6 | | CULTURAL CROSSROADS In 2000 a new event made a big impression in Brussels: Local and social The 22 community centres which form the local focus for Flemish social and cultural life are a very specific Brussels phenomenon. All the Brussels municipalities have one. The community centres organise theatre productions, performances, exhibitions, events, courses, Dutch language lessons for adults from other countries, etc. They serve as a meeting centre and often also provide social services, both for Flemish people and for people with different backgrounds. For example, six community centres in Brussels Oost have drawn up a programme to bring together members from the various different communities in Brussels. Under the heading Glad to meet you they organise all sorts of socio-cultural activities and courses in different languages. The socio-multicultural centre Globe Aroma brings together newcomers, refugees and other inhabitants of Brussels in studios, a world café, world dances, workshops, an educational programme etc. Brussels also has a Dutch language adult education centre, Citizenne , where you can go for workshops, courses, meetings etc. 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 7 Brussels welcome and promotion: the city opens its arms In order to get a good view of Brussels you do not necessarily have to climb up the stairs of the Palace of Justice or the Basilica of Koekelberg. It is easier to visit the Brussels Welcome and Promotion Centre (OPB) on the Muntplein. Anyone who is looking for information about the Flemish networks and Dutch language initiatives in Brussels will find what they are looking for there. Some projects include: • The website www.opbrussel.be contains all sorts of information for exploring the city. OPB may also be reached by telephone on 0800 13 700. • Brussels Open City: every month you can be introduced to Brussels and the numerous initiatives of Dutch language associations during a theme walk. You can choose between Dutch, French and English. Participation is free of Every day is an event In Brussels there will be a festival happening somewhere every day of the year, often with a large Flemish contribution. There are music festivals such as the classical Festival of Flanders in autumn, the Brussels Jazz Marathon in May, the world music festival Couleur Café , the jazz and folk festival Brosella , the summer lunch concerts Boterhammen in de Stad , and the park festival Plazey by the Basilica. There are also festivals relating to film, literature and many other art forms. It is worth mentioning the unique International Festival of Fantastic Film and the literary event Het Groot Beschrijf. In May, the city is taken over by the KunstenFESTIVALdesArts , which, as its name suggests, is a bilingual festival with theatre, music, dance, film, opera, the visual arts and multimedia. Most festivals are no longer confined to halls or theatres: they also take place out in the streets. Other events which are worth experiencing include some which are rooted in Flemish popular culture such as the Ommegang in July and the planting of the May tree in August. charge. • Broodje Brussel (Brussels Roll): There are all sorts of things to do in Brussels during a lunch break. There are concerts, theatre, exhibitions, film: Broodje Brussel collects all the possibilities focusing on everyone who works in Brussels. • Brussel XL : the three-monthly free magazine Brussel XL describes what is happening in the city and invites you to participate. • De Gulden Ontsporing: 11 July, the Flemish holiday, is celebrated in Brussels with all sorts of activities in the city and a big party on the Grote Markt. Brussels bugles • Day of the Student in Brussels: every year in October, this day of meetings for students in Brussels is an event not to be missed. | Brussels inhabitants who wish to remain informed about what is happening in the city and in the Dutch language community can consult various media. FM Brussel , TV-Brussel , and the city newspaper | 7 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 8 Brussel Deze Week developed from fairly small-scale initiatives to become essential channels of information. They found an ideal base in the former broadcasting building of the national television company on the Flagey square and combined their forces in the news portal brusselnieuws.be . FM Brussel (98.8 FM) started as a student radio broadcasting company of the film school RITS that has now developed to become the city radio. It broadcasts a combination of news programmes, broad cultural information, Brussels political news, traffic information with a significant proportion of music and in this way serves as a sound track of city life. FM Brussel is mainly in the Dutch language, but in a programme such as FM World, on Saturday and Sunday afternoon, the broadcaster brings the whole world to the studio, and switches quickly from one language to another. FM Brussel can be heard everywhere via the website. utes the Agenda, a magazine for going out which is published in Dutch, French and English. TV-Brussel is the regional broadcaster for the capital city. Every evening from 6 p.m., TV-Brussel broadcasts a variety of news and a current affairs programme. The broadcasts are in Dutch but there are French and English subtitles, a clear sign that it also wants to promote communication between the different population groups in Brussels. It is successful because six out of ten viewers speak a different language. Burning topics You can now keep a close eye on what is happening in Brussels at any time of the day thanks to brusselnieuws.be. FM Brussel, TV-Brussel and Brussel Deze Week use the website to offer detailed accounts of what is going on in the capital city, focusing on | Brussel Deze Week is a fat and varied city paper which is delivered to thousands of inhabitants of Brussels and interested Flemish people every week. Economics, culture, a social and political life – every aspect of life in Brussels is covered. Special attention is devoted to the initiatives of the Flemish Community. Brussel Deze Week also distrib- | 8 | | CULTURAL CROSSROADS 06 various categories of news including culture, politics, the economy and sport. If you miss a broadcast by TV-Brussel or FM Brussel you can always pay a visit to brusselnieuws.be to hear or watch the latest programmes. www.brusselnieuws.be 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 9 Addresses Brussels Welcome and Promotion (Onthaal en Promotie Brussel): 0800 13 700 You can ask any questions about Brussels and the Dutch language initiative at the not-for-profit Brussels Welcome and Promotion (OPB): Onthaal en Promotie Brussel, Prinsenstraat 8 (near the Muntplein), 1000 Brussels. Open every working day from 8.30 to 17.30, T 0800 13 700, info@opbrussel.be, www.opbrussel.be Flemish Community Commission (Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie): www.digitaalbrussel.be and www.vgc.be The Flemish Community Commission is pivotal in Flemish community life in Brussels. On its website you can find information about culture, education, welfare and health care, child care, sport, youth organisations, etc. You can also find the addresses of community centres there. Brussel Internationaal, the tourist office of the Brussels Capital Region has an office on the Grote Markt and an information department in the large hall of the Zuidstation. Brussel Internationaal, Stadhuis, Grote Markt, 1000 Brussels, T 02 513 89 40, tourism@ brusselsinternational.be, www.brusselsinternational.be Brukselbinnenstebuiten, Hopstraat 47, 1000 Brussels, T 02 218 38 78, bruksel@skynet.be, www.brukselbinnenstebuiten.be Brussels by Water, Akenkaai 2bis, 1000 Brussels, T 02 203 64 06, bbw@scaldisnet.be, www.scaldisnet.be GBB - Gidsendienst BI-TC, Grote Markt-Stadhuis 1, 1000 Brussels, T 02 548 04 48, guides@brusselsinternational.be Klare Lijn, Gilisquetlaan 92, 1030 Schaarbeek, T 02 400 83 49, klarelijn@tiscali.be Korei, Liebrechtlaan 37/6, 1090 Jette, T 02 380 22 09, korei@skynet.be, www.korei.be Brussel Open Stad, Brussels Welcome and Promotion, Prinsenstraat 8, 1000 Brussels, T 0800 13 700, info@opbrussel.be, www.opbrussel.be Pro Velo, Londenstraat 15, 1050 Brussels, T 02 502 73 55, fietstoerisme@provelo.org, www.provelo.org VTB-VAB Brusselgidsen, Osystraat 35, 2060 Antwerp, T 03 224 10 52, info.cultuur@vtb.be, www.brusselgidsen.be Tours that are accessible for the disabled The brochure Steden anders bekeken (Looking at Cities Differently) can be ordered from Brussels Welcome and Promotion (Onthaal en Promotie Brussel), T 0800 13 700 Exploring the city Museums Brusselse Museumraad: www.brusselsmuseums.be This website contains general information on most Brussels museums. Jubelpark museum (Royal Museums for Art and History), Jubelpark 10, 1000 Brussels, T 02 741 72 11, www.kmkg-mrah.be | Dozens of organisations organise tours of the city in Brussels. These work both in the Dutch language and in other languages. A detailed summary can be found on the website www.opbrussel.be and in the brochure Boordevol Brussel, which can be ordered from Brussels Welcome and Promotion at 0800 13 700. Here are a few examples from the range of possibilities: | 9 | | 06 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 10 Royal Museum for the Army and the History of War (Koninklijk museum van het Leger en de Krijgsgeschiedenis), Jubelpark 3, 1000 Brussels, T 02 737 78 11, www.klm-mra.be Royal Museums for Fine Arts of Belgium (Koninklijke Musea voor Schone Kunsten van België): www.fine-arts-museum.be Museum of Ancient Art (Museum voor Oude Kunst), Regentschapsstraat 3, 1000 Brussels, T 02 508 32 11 Museum of Modern Art (Museum voor Moderne Kunst), Koningsplein 1-2, 1000 Brussels, T 02 508 32 11 Wiertzmuseum, Vautierstraat 62, 1050 Brussels, T 02 648 17 18 Meuniermuseum, Abdijstraat 59, 1050 Brussels , T 02 648 44 49 Archives and Museum of Flemish Life in Brussels (Archief en Museum van het Vlaams Leven te Brussel (AMVB), Arduinkaai 28, 1000 Brussels, T 02 512 42 81, info@amvb.be, http://amvb.vgc.be Flagey, Heilig Kruisplein, 1050 Elsene, T 02 641 10 20, info@flagey.be, www.flagey.be Munt Theatre (Koninklijke Muntschouwburg), Leopoldstraat 4, 1000 Brussels, T 02 229 13 72, info@demunt.be Recyclart, Brussels – Kapellekerk station, Ursulinenstraat 25, 1000 Brussels, T 02 502 57 34, info@recyclart.be, www.recyclart.be Théâtre National de la Communauté Wallonie Bruxelles, Emile Jacqmainlaan 111-115, 1000 Brussels, T 02 203 41 55, theatrenational@theatrenational.be, www.theatrenational.be Les Halles de Schaerbeek, Koninklijke Mariastraat 22b, 1030 Schaarbeek, T 02 218 21 07, info@halles.be, www.halles.be Le Botanique, Koningsstraat 236, 1210 Brussels, T 02 218 37 32, info@botanique.be, www.botanique.be Literature Social-cultural Capital Public Library (Hoofdstedelijke Openbare Bibliotheek) Muntplein 6, 1000 Brussels, T 02 229 18 40, info@hob.be, www.hob.be Youth department: Schildknaapstraat 28, 1000 Brussel. Vorst branch: Bondgenotenstraat 54, 1190 Brussels, T 02 343 20 04 Sint-Gillis branch: Fortstraat 35a, 1060 Brussels, T 02 541 01 72 Koekelberg branch: Pantheonlaan 12-13, 1081 Brussels, T 02 411 08 65 Glad to meet you, T 02 762 37 74, contact@gtmy.be, http://gtmy.vgc.be Various Brussels municipalities have their own Dutch language libraries. You can find all the addresses on www.brusselse-bibliotheken.be Het Beschrijf, A. Dansaertstraat 46, 1000 Brussels, T 02 223 68 32, www.beschrijf.be Passa Porta, A. Dansaertstraat 46, 1000 Brussels, T 02 226 04 54, www.passaporta.be Entrez Lire, A. Dansaertstraat 46, 1000 Brussels, T 02 513 46 74, info@entrezlire.be, www.entrezlire.be Performance Ancienne Belgique, Anspachlaan 110, 1000 Brussels, T 02 548 24 00, info@abconcerts.be, www.abconcerts.be Beursschouwburg, Auguste Ortsstraat 20-28, 1000 Brussels, T 02 550 03 50, www.beursschouwburg.be Kaaitheater, Akenkaai 2, 1000 Brussels, T 02 201 58 58, info@kaaitheater.be, www.kaaitheater.be | Royal Flemish Theater (Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg), Arduinkaai 7, 1000 Brussels, T 02 210 11 12, info@kvs.be, www.kvs.be | 10 | | CULTURAL CROSSROADS Stripmuseum (Belgian Centre of the Cartoon - Belgisch Centrum van het Beeldverhaal), Zandstraat 20, 1000 Brussels, T 02 219 19 80, visit@stripmuseum.be, www.stripmuseum.be Bozar, Ravensteinstraat 23, 1000 Brussels, T 02 507 84 44, www.bozar.be Citizenne, Vormingplus Brussels, Liedtsstraat 27-29, 1030 Brussels, T 02 240 95 22, info@citizenne.be, www.citizenne.be Globe Aroma, Cellebroersstraat 16, 1000 Brussels, T 02 511 21 10, info@globearoma.be, www.globearoma.be Community centres Anderlecht: De Rinck, Dapperheidsplein 7, 1070 Brussels, T 02 524 32 35, derinck@vgc.be Brussel: De Markten, Oude Graanmarkt 5, 1000 Brussels, T 02 512 34 25, demarkten@vgc.be Elsene: Elzenhof, Kroonlaan 12-16, 1050 Brussels, T 02 648 20 30, elzenhof@vgc.be Etterbeek: De Maalbeek, Oudergemselaan 90, 1040 Brussels, T 02 734 84 43, demaalbeek@vgc.be Evere: Everna, Sint-Vincentiusstraat 30, 1140 Brussels, T 02 242 99 67, everna@vgc.be Ganshoren: De Zeyp, Van Overbekelaan 164, 1083 Brussels, T 02 422 00 11, 02-422 00 12, dezeyp@vgc.be Haren: De Linde, Cortenbachstraat 7, 1130 Brussels, T 02 242 31 47, delinde@vgc.be Jette: Essegem, Leopold I-straat 329, 1090 Brussels, T 02 427 80 39, essegem@vgc.be Koekelberg: De Platoo, Pantheonlaan 14, 1081 Brussels, T 02 412 00 50, deplatoo@vgc.be Laken: Nekkersdal, E. Bockstaellaan 107, 1020 Brussels, T 02 420 56 56, nekkersdal@vgc.be 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 11 Neder-Over-Heembeek: De Mutsaard, De Wandstraat 14, 1020 Brussels, T 02 268 20 82, heembeek-mutsaard@vgc.be Oudergem: Den Dam, Waversesteenweg 1747, 1160 Brussels, T 02 663 89 50, dendam@vgc.be Schaarbeek: De Kriekelaar, Gallaitstraat 86, 1030 Brussels, T 02 245 75 22, dekriekelaar@vgc.be Sint-Agatha-Berchem: De Kroon, J. B. Vandendrieschstraat 19, 1082 Brussels, T 02 482 00 10, dekroon@vgc.be Sint-Gillis: De Pianofabriek, Fortstraat 35a, 1060 Brussels, T 02 541 01 70, depianofabriek@vgc.be Sint-Jans-MoIenbeek: De Vaartkapoen, Schoolstraat 76, 1080 Brussels, T 02 414 29 07, devaartkapoen@vgc.be Sint-Joost-ten-Node: Ten Noey, Gemeentestraat 25, 1210 Brussels, T 02 217 08 82, tennoey@vgc.be Sint-Lambrechts-WoIuwe: Op-Weule, Sint-Lambertustraat 91, 1200 Brussels, T 02 775 92 00, op-weule@vcg.be Sint-Pieters-Woluwe: Kontakt, Orbanlaan 54, 1150 Brussels, T 02 762 37 74, kontakt@vgc.be Ukkel: Candelaershuys, Brugmannlaan 433, 1180 Brussels, T 02 343 46 58, candelaershuys@vgc.be Vorst: Ten Weyngaert, Bondgenotenstraat 54, 1190 Brussels, T 02 340 95 80, tenweyngaert@vgc.be Watermaal-Bosvoorde: Wabo, Delleurlaan 39-43, 1170 Brussels, T 02 675 40 10, wabo@vgc.be The websites of the community centres can be found on www. digitaalbrussel.be Fashion Modo Bruxellae, Léon Lepagestraat 38, 1000 Brussels, T 02 502 52 64, info@modobruxellae.be, www.modobruxellae.be Events/festivals Zinneke, Anspach Center, Anspachlaan 30-36, 1000 Brussels, T 02 214 20 07, info@zinneke.org, www.zinneke.org KunstenFESTIVALdesArts, Handelskaai 18, 1000 Brussels, T 02 219 07 07, www.kunstenfestivaldesarts.be Festival of Flanders Brussels, Ravensteinstraat 60, 1000 Brussels, T 02 548 95 95, info@festival.be, www.festival-van-vlaanderen.be Brussels Jazz Marathon, www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be Brussels International Festival of Fantastic Film, www.bifff.org Couleur Café, www.couleurcafe.be Brosella, T 02 270 98 56, info@brosella.be, www.brosella.be Boterhammen in de Stad, www.boterhammenindestad.be, www.feeerieen.be Plazey, www.plazey.be Media Brussel Deze Week / Agenda Flageyplein 18, 1050 Elsene, T 02 226 45 45, bdw@stadskrant.be, www.brusseldezeweek.be Subscriptions: free for the people of Brussels, 15 euros a year for others. Inhabitants of Flanders can apply for a free trial subscription. Zone 02 A free city magazine with a cultural agenda which can be found in Brussels and the peripheral municipalities in post offices, cultural venues, shopping centres, etc. T 02 454 26 26. TV-Brussel T 02 702 87 30, nieuws@tv-brussel.be, www.tv-brussel.be Every Saturday at 12.30, TV-Brussel present a summary of news of the past week on Eén. FM Brussel 98.8 FM, can be heard as far as Mechelen and Leuven or on the website T 02 800 08 08, www.fmbrussel.be www.brusselnieuws.be The latest news from Brussels. www.opbrussel.be You can find cultural news about Brussels, a detailed diary, planned tours of the city, city news, links and much more, such as the OPB newsletter to inform you about forthcoming events on the website of Onthaal en Promotie Brussel. Brussel XL A three-monthly magazine from Brussels Welcome and Promotion, with news about Brussels and the main cultural events. It is distributed free of charge in Flanders and in Brussels, through cultural centres, libraries, museums, theatres, institutues of higher education, tourist information offices, etc. You can find a list on www.opbrussel.be. A postal subsciption costs 5 euros, or you can call 0800 13 700. We are doing everything we can to keep the contact addresses in this brochure up to date. However, if you think that a contact address is out of date please let us know. In that case we will change it in the next edition: Ministry of the Flemish community, Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit, Boudewijnlaan 30, 1000 Brussel, T 02 553 56 28, brussel@vlaanderen.be, www.vlaanderen.be/brussel | 050860 BRUSSEL Eng | 11 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 12 Working, living and welfare The inhabitants of Brussels and commuters Like a magnet, Brussels attracts people to live and work there. They come from every corner of the world, but also from Flanders. Brussels is confronted with the typical problems of a large city, but living there can still be surprisingly pleasant. Many Flemish initiatives contribute to this. And did you know Brussels is the greenest capital in Europe? Approximately one million people live in the nineteen municipalities of Brussels. In the streets, you can see and hear that these inhabitants of Brussels are very different. Approximately one in three residents of Brussels do not have Belgian nationality. More than half of the nonBelgians come from the European Union, with the French, Italians, Spanish and Portuguese in the lead. Of the nonBelgians from outside the European Union, by far the largest group consists of Moroccans. In addition, there are also many residents of Brussels of foreign origin who do have Belgian nationality. | The capital of Flanders has developed to become a multilingual city of minorities. Its international character will continue to increase with the European Union. This development should not be seen as a threat to Dutch culture. On the contrary, the diversity is a source of cultural enrichment if it is experienced in a spirit of respect for everyone’s identity. This intercultural society also comprises a large group of | 12 | | 06 Dutch speaking Brussels inhabitants. Over the years, they have developed a network of initiatives and institutions which means that life is good in Brussels, both for Flemish people and for people who speak a different language. A daily migration In addition to the Flemish people who live in Brussels, tens of thousands of people come to work in Brussels every day. Of the estimated 650,000 jobs in Brussels approximately half are taken up by resident of Brussels and half by commuters, the majority of whom are Flemish. About a quarter of a million people travel to the capital every day by train, car or bike – this is quite a migration. One of the main reasons why so many Dutch language commuters work in Brussels is the fact that many Flemish people are bilingual. After all, for many employers in Brussels a knowledge of French as well as Dutch is essential. Almost 40% of the people who work in Brussels work in the public sector. Brussels is the capital of Belgium, of 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:41 Pagina 13 WORKING, LIVING AND WELFARE One in three inhabitants of Brussels are not Belgian. 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:42 Pagina 14 Koekelberg Neder-over-Heembeek Haren Jette Sint-Joost-ten-Node Laken Schaarbeek Evere Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe Etterbeek Elsene the pentagon Sint-Pieters-Woluwe Sint-Gillis Oudergem Watermaal-Bosvoorde City of Brussels From 1000 Brussels to “the Nineteen” When this brochure refers to Brussels The City of Brussels is one of the nine- • Elsene (1050); this means the Brussels Capital Region teen municipalities and itself consists • Sint-Gillis (1060); which of six large districts: • Anderlecht (1070); • the pentagon (1000); • Sint-Jans-Molenbeek (1080); • Laken (1020); • Koekelberg (1081); However, when you walk around • Neder-Over-Heembeek (1120); • Sint-Agatha-Berchem (1082); Brussels you will find that it is not • Haren (1130); • Ganshoren (1083); interpreted in this way by everyone. A • the southern part Louiza-Roosevelt • Jette (1090); consists of the nineteen Brussels municipalities. few terms are described below to avoid confusion indicating the postal areas (1050); • the European district (1040). • Evere (1140); • Sint-Pieters-Woluwe (1150); • Oudergem (1160); between brackets: The Brussels Capital Region consists of • Watermaal-Bosvoorde (1170); The pentagon or 1000 Brussels is the the following nineteen municipalities: • Ukkel (1180); city centre, bordered by the large • Brussels (see above); • Vorst (1190); avenues of the small ring. • Schaarbeek (1030); • Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe (1200); • Etterbeek (1040); • Sint-Joost-ten-Node (1210). 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:42 Pagina 15 WORKING, LIVING AND WELFARE Flanders and of the French Community and the lion’s share of the government administration takes place there. In addition, Brussels is also the political capital and decision making centre of the European Union. Many European and other international institutions are concentrated there. Apart from New York there is no other city that has more diplomats than Brussels. deBuren (Neighbours): at home together with one language Promoting the Dutch language in Europe and the world is the mission of DeBuren , the Flemish-Dutch Centre which opened its doors in the Leopoldstraat in 2004, right next to the Brussels Muntschouwburg. With approximately 22 million Dutch speakers in Flanders Brussels attracts the world and the Netherlands, Dutch is a medium-sized language The international institutions also attract offices of solicitors, consultancy agencies, lobbyists, advertising people and journalists. In addition, many international companies want to be located next to the European decision-making centre. These companies in turn attract other service companies. in the European Union. DeBuren is a joint initiative of Brussels is also very strategically situated in a densely populated and wealthy region in the centre of Europe. The nearby international airport of Zaventem connects the city with all the European capitals and the other continents. With a high speed train, it is only one and a half hours to Paris and less than three hours to the centre of Amsterdam or London. Brussels is also a financial centre. In 2000, the Brussels stock exchange merged with the stock exchanges in Amsterdam and Paris, amongst others, to become the Pan-European exchange Euronext. decline at the same time that Brussels started to become an international capital. However, there are still about 300 industrial companies active in the Brussels canal zone. The growth sectors are information and communication technology, with no fewer than 700 companies, but also the health sector, the food industry, and the precision industry are becoming increasingly important. for the debate about a cultural Europe and gives information about Dutch language and culture and presents this to Europe. The people of Brussels are poorer and more often unemployed Brussels has enormous economic importance, but at the same time, the average income of the inhabitants of Brussels is low and the region has the highest level of unemployment in the country. Brussels is economically rich but socially poor: this is the Brussels paradox. In 2003 | The Brussels economy is above all a service economy: more than 85% of the added value and employment are in this sector. In 1900, Brussels was still the main industrial city in the country. In the early 1960s, industry started to Flanders and the Netherlands and provides a platform | 15 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 16 A Dutch-language House More and more people in Brussels are interested in the Dutch language. Anyone who is looking for a suitable course of Dutch should certainly go and visit the Dutchlanguage House . This provides information about all the existing courses and you can find out which course would suit you best. After all, a knowledge of Dutch is a very important advantage in the search for work. There are also other reasons to learn Dutch: perhaps because your children go to a Dutch-language school, or because you have Dutchspeaking friends, or simply because you would miss a large part of the city life without Dutch. The Dutch-language House is looking for ways of improving the quality of courses and co-ordinating them better with the needs. For example the House organises tailor-made Dutch language courses for traders and sales people in the centre of Brussels. In addition it encourages everyone to speak Dutch in the city. After all, many tend to use French too quickly. If you want to maintain your knowledge of Dutch outside the classroom as well, the activities of Bru-TAAL may be the thing for you. You can test your Dutch in practice in an enjoyable way during a pleasant cultural evening, in a café or other activities organised by Bru-TAAL. of city life. However, if you spend some time there, you will find that something is being done about this. Slum areas are being renovated and are once again attracting more prosperous residents. The governments and institutions of Brussels and Flanders have taken steps to combat unemployment, for example with targeted vocational training. | the level of unemployment was higher than 20%, while the national average is 11.9%. Between 1990 and 2004 the number of unemployed people in Brussels increased by A healthy network approximately 60%. Unemployment is particularly high in The Flemish initiatives in Brussels make efforts every day young people and people with a low level of education. In to improve the quality of life in Brussels and make it more addition, there are also enormous differences between the pleasant. For example, at the level of health and welfare different municipalities of Brussels. The richest municipalthere is an extensive network of facilities: ities are in the south east and north from pre-school and after-school childwest, with Ukkel, Watermaal-Bosvoorde, Flemish network: care , toy libraries and educational supOudergem, Sint-Pieters-Woluwe, and also at the level of port, to specific initiatives aimed at the Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe. The poorest welfare and health elderly or the disabled. Many organisamunicipalities are closer to the city centions are actively involved in combating deprivation, looktre, such as Sint-Joost-ten-Node, Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, ing after the homeless and other forms of welfare work, Sint-Gillis and Schaarbeek. Within the municipalities there such as, for example, the Centres for General Welfare work are also large differences between individual districts. (CAW), which are found throughout the city, as well as initiatives working specifically with socially vulnerable young Anyone living or working in Brussels is regularly confronted people in the district. In Brussels there is also a Dutch with poverty, dilapidation and other less attractive aspects | 16 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 17 WORKING, LIVING AND WELFARE < IN THE STREETS, YOU CAN SEE AND HEAR THAT THE BRUSSELS ARE VERY DIVERSE. INHABITANTS OF < In the field of work and training the Dutch language network also takes many initiatives where both Dutch-speaking people and people speaking other languages can go. For training and employment or information about this, there is Tracé . In addition, there are many other centres, such as, for example, Brusselleer, which organise specific training. Newcomers can go to the Brussels Reception Agency for Newcomers (BON) in the Philippe de Champagnestraat, for an introductory social orientation, basic knowledge of Dutch, and the first steps to find employment. Living in Brussels but without a premium Anyone who is considering going to live in Brussels should certainly go and have a look at Living in Brussels (Wonen in Brussel). You can go there with all your questions about buying or renting a house in Brussels. You can also find many tips and interesting information on the website. Living in Brussels regularly organises housing tours: during these tours, you are introduced to the city and can go into a number of houses. To help resolve a widely held misconception straightaway: there is no premium for Flemish people who come to live in Brussels, except for the civil servants of the Flemish Community Commission. However, the Brussels Capital Region and various municipalities do provide premiums, for example, for renovation or cleaning the exterior of buildings. Playing football on a bath towel With more than a hundred parks, thousands of city gardens and the extensive Zoniënwoud , Brussels is the greenest capital in Europe. Obviously, some municipalities are greener than others, but in general the inhabitants of Brussels have no reason to complain. For example, | language hospital, the Academisch Ziekenhuis , of the Free University of Brussels (VUB). It has 700 beds and is obviously also open to people who speak other languages. An essential facility for all the Flemish people in Brussels is the Brussels Zakboekje, which contains hundreds of social initiatives. It is published by the Brussels Welfare and Health Council , which supports Dutch language welfare and healthcare in Brussels. IN BRUSSELS THERE IS ALSO A DUTCH LANGUAGE HOSPITAL, THE ACADEMISCH ZIEKENHUIS, OF THE FREE UNIVERSITY OF BRUSSELS (VUB). IT HAS 700 BEDS. | 17 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 18 Parisians have to make do with a square metre and a half of green space per person, which is hardly more than the size of a bath towel. Every inhabitant of Brussels has 30 square metres of green space: it’s enough to kick a ball about. Throughout Brussels there are district parks where the residents and children of the district go to have fun, practise sports, and relax. Every park has its own atmosphere and character and some parks attract enthusiasts from far outside the district, For example, the magnificent Jubelpark with its grand avenues, triumphal arch and museums is often used as a background for large events. There is a very different romantic atmosphere in the Josaphatpark in Schaarbeek, where you can enjoy not only nature, but also sculpture and summer concerts in the park. Brussels has innumerable sports clubs. Whether you want to go deep sea diving, or play baseball, whether your passion is taekwondo or athletics, everything is possible in clubs in Brussels. There is certainly no excuse not to practise any sports. Anyone who is not entirely convinced should participate in Stadskriebels, an annual sporting event which is organised by the sports department of the Flemish Community Commission and BLOSO. The Oude and Nieuwe Graanmarkt are closed to traffic and different sports and clubs are presented there. Every year, thousands of walkers do a 20 km walk through Brussels, from real professionals to real amateurs. People who prefer merely to observe also have many sports events to go to in Brussels, such as the athletics meeting Memorial Van Damme and the cycling race Paris-Brussels/Grote Prijs Eddy Merckx. The Zoniënwoud in the southwest of the city is entirely different again: it covers 5,000 hectares and takes up 10% of the surface of the Brussels Capital Region. The wood is accessible from a number of different municipalities and there are paths, cycle routes and bridle paths, playing areas and picnic places. Why an iris? The Brussels Capital Region has chosen the iris as a symbol for Brussels, and the Flemish Community Commission has also incorporated the iris in its coat of arms, No excuse not to practise sports | You cannot really call Brussels a cycling city, although many inhabitants have discovered the advantages of a bicycle in a large city. Things are happening: for example, the cars in the Wetstraat – one of the busiest streets in the country with 60,000 cars per day – had to surrender one lane for cyclists and pedestrians. In addition, work is being carried out on five cycling routes crossing the entire region. | 18 | | 06 together with the Flemish lion. This is related to the history of the city development. The iris is a typical marsh flower. Brussels also developed from a marsh: in the tenth century, the city was founded in the marshy valley of the Zenne. The name Brussels is based on Bruocsella which literally means “settlement in the marsh.” 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 19 WORKING, LIVING AND WELFARE Addresses Housing Living in Brussels (Wonen in Brussel), Muntplein 6a, 1000 Brussels, T 0800 20 400, wonen.in.brussel@vgc.be, www.woneninbrussel.be Flemish Community Commission (Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie) You can find lots of information about various aspects of life in Brussels on the website of the Flemish Community Commission, www.digitaalbrussel.be Brussels Capital Region (Brussels Hoofdstedelijk Gewest), 02 204 21 11 The info line of the ministry of the Brussels Capital Region answers questions about town planning, the environment, public works, etc. You can also find a lot of information on the Region’s website: www.brussel.irisnet.be. Child and Family (Kind en Gezin), Vlaams-Brabant and Brussels department, Karel van Lotharingenstraat 4, 3000 Leuven, T 016 21 05 11 Brussels Welfare and Health Council (Brusselse Welzijns- en Gezondheidsraad), publisher of the Brussels Zakboekje, Leopold II-laan 204 bus 1, 1080 Sint-Jans-Molenbeek, T 02 414 15 85 Brussels Zakboekje online: www.users.skynet.be/bwr Academic Hospital of the Free University of Brussels (Academisch Ziekenhuis van de Vrije Universiteit Brussel), Laarbeeklaan 101, 1090 Brussels, T 02 477 41 11, www.az.vub.ac.be Pro Medicis Brussel, promotes work experience and placements in the medical sector in Brussels, info@promedicisbrussel.be, www.promedicisbrussel.be Specific services Work and training Tracé, local jobcentre, Philippe de Champagnestraat 8, 1000 Brussels, T 02 289 00 90, trace@trace.be, http://trace.vgc.be/ Seniors Citizens Centre (Seniorencentrum), Care for the elderly, Leopoldstraat 25, 1000 Brussels, T 02 210 04 60, info@seniorencentrum-brussel.be, www.seniorencentrum-brussel.be Brussels Reception Agency for Newcomers (Onthaalbureau voor Nieuwkomers), Philippe de Champagnestraat 23, 1000 Brussels, T 02 501 66 80, info@bonvzw.be Holebi’s (People with a different sexual orientation) Regenbooghuis, Kolenmarkt 42, 1000 Brussels, T 02 503 59 90 (tuesday 18-22 uur), info@rainbowhouse.be, www.rainbowhouse.be Overleg Opleidings- en Tewerkstellingsprojecten Brussel (OOTB), Delaunoystraat 58, p/a De Bottelarij – 3e verdieping, 1080 Sint-JansMolenbeek, T 02 511 99 72, ootb@ootb.be, www.ootb.be Sport On the website of the Sports department of the Flemish Community Commission, http://sportdienst.vgc.be/ you will find a databank of Brussels sports clubs. VIZO, support centre for Flemish entrepreneurs, Kanselarijstraat 19, 1000 Brussels, T 02 227 63 93, info@vizo.be, www.vizo.be Foyer, Flemish integration centre, Werkhuizenstraat 25, 1080 SintJans-Molenbeek, T 02 411 74 95, foyer@foyer.be, www.foyer.be Green spaces Brussels Institute of Environmental Management (Brussels Instituut voor Milieubeheer), Sint-Gorikshallen, Sint-Goriksplein 1, 1000 Brussels, T 02 775 75 75, info@ibgebim.be, www.ibgebim.be Zoniënwoud, www.zonienwoud.be Dutch Dutch-language House (Huis van het Nederlands), Philippe de Champagnestraat 23, 1000 Brussel, T 02 501 66 60, info@huisnederlandsbrussel.be, www.huisnederlandsbrussel.be Cycling Pro Velo, association of and for cyclists, Londenstraat 15, 1050 Brussels, T 02 502 73 55, info@provelo.org, www.provelo.org Cycle routes, www.fiets.irisnet.be deBuren, Vlaams-Nederlands Huis, Leopoldstraat 6, 1000 Brussel, T 02 212 19 33, www.vl-nl.be, info@vl-nl.be Welfare and health Childcare Flemish Community Commission, Child and Family (Kind en Gezin), Lombardstraat 41, 1000 Brussels, T 02 548 05 93 We are doing everything we can to keep the contact addresses in this brochure up to date. However, if you think that a contact address is out of date please let us know. In that case we will change it in the next edition: Ministry of the Flemish Community, Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit, Boudewijnlaan 30, 1000 Brussels, T 02 553 56 28, brussel@vlaanderen.be, www.vlaanderen.be/ brussel | Bru-TAAL, Dutch Centre, Philippe De Champagnestraat 23, 1000 Brussel, T 02 501 66 90, info@bru-TAAL.be, www.bru-TAAL.be | 19 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 20 Being young in Brussels Growing up with a wider view of the world Dutch education is one of the hobby horses of the Dutch-language community in Brussels. Furthermore, there are more things to do for children and young people after school than anywhere else. Students in Brussels have access to the broadest range of facilities and courses, as well as entertainment. For anyone who does not want to miss anything, all they have to do is go out and take a look. There are about 125,000 children under the age of ten living in Brussels and this number continues to increase year after year. More than one fifth of the people living in Brussels are under the age of 18. Obviously all these children and young people have to go to school. | Developing an extensive and high quality network of schools is one of the major concerns of the Flemish people | 20 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 21 BEING YOUNG IN BRUSSELS | in Brussels. After all, they considered that it was very study disciplines at universities, you can become almost important that their children could be taught in the Dutch anything in Brussels. Furthermore, the Dutch-language language in their own district. Of course Dutch education schools are easily accessible by public transport, also for also devotes attention to other languages. The second lanstudents who come from outside Brussels. guage in Brussels is extremely important, even more so than in other Year after year, Dutch-lanThe logo of Dutch-language places in Belgium. In Dutch-language guage education in Brussels education has become primary schools in Brussels, children has been increasingly a quality label. are therefore taught French at an earsuccessful. In other lier age than in Flemish schools, i.e., from the third year. places in Belgium, the numbers of pupils are falling, but in They also have more hours of French lessons, up to five Brussels they continue to increase, particularly in nursery hours in the fifth or sixth year. and primary schools. More and more French-speaking parents and parents who speak other languages send their What do you want to be? children to a Dutch language school. They do so because The Dutch language network of schools has now been they consider that being bilingual or multilingual is very firmly established. Anyone who lives in Brussels can find a important for the future of their children. Teachers ensure nursery or primary school within walking distance from that all the children in the Brussels Dutch-language eduhome. With more than thirty secondary schools and eighty cation are given the best possible learning opportunities. | 21 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 22 Furthermore the classes are often smaller, and the infrastructure is more modern. The blue-green logo with the N, which applies for all Dutch-language schools in Brussels, has developed to become a quality label. Teaching in Brussels even more than in other places: in order to really master the Dutch language, children also have to come into contact with Dutch outside the school, through books, TV programmes, etc. The teachers can also go to an in-service training centre, which focuses its programme specifically on the situation in Brussels. | In Dutch language education in Brussels, children are in multilingual and multicultural classes from an early age, Moreover, the Dutch-language education network is with children from every social class. This is an enriching broader than the schools alone. There are also schools for experience and at the same time a chalspecial education, boarding schools, lenge, particularly for the teachers. To centres for pupil supervision, etc. Are museums boring? provide better support, the Flemish Anyone who wishes to perfect their artisNot in Brussels. Community Commission and the tic talents after school can go to partFlemish Community developed all sorts time art education for music, literature and dance. Adults of initiatives. For example, the majority of primary schools can go to the centres for adult education to learn extra make use of the provisions of the Brussels Priority policy skills for their jobs or for themselves. There is also an and Taalvaart: they increase the language skills of the extensive provision of training courses, for example, in the pupils step by step, with expert supervision and using 22 community centres. appropriate teaching methods. In addition, the teachers Outside the schoolgates learn to relate better to the different customs and cultures, After school, children and young people in Brussels can which means that the contacts with parents improve. After also enjoy the enormous range of free time activities. For all, the cooperation with parents is absolutely essential, | 22 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:43 Pagina 23 < MULTILINGUAL AND MULTICULTURAL CLASSES : AN ENRICHING EXPERIENCE AND AT THE SAME TIME A CHALLENGE. Laura, Mohamed, Imane and Alexandre together in a class At the beginning of 2004, there were more than 34,000 children in the Dutch-language schools. At least four in ten secondary pupils come from a family in which only Dutch is spoken. This is different for nursery school children and primary school children: on average 16%, or even fewer, are from a purely Dutch-speaking family. One in three children only speak French at home and for one in three, family life takes place in another language altogether. | Anyone who thinks museums are boring places will have to change their mind in Brussels. For example, in the Scientastic Museum , you can experiment with the laws of physics and chemistry. Would you like to play Fakir? Make a rainbow? It’s all possible. The Museum of Musical Instruments , the Toy Museum and obviously the Stripmuseum , are also recommended, but the large museums also regularly organise activities for young people. In Elsene there is even a Children’s museum , which is entirely devoted to the lives of young people. Anyone who is more interested in film and the media could go and take a look in the Fabriek in Schaarbeek. Art Basics for Children (ABC) has a Medialab where you can experiment with images, sound, and even with architecture. In the sports clubs, libraries and community centres there are also interesting initiatives for children and young people on a regular basis. | 23 | BEING YOUNG IN BRUSSELS anyone who likes theatre, Bronks , which is being given its own theatre on the Varkensmarkt, is a must. Since the early 1990s, Bronks has put on interesting productions for children and young people. In addition, Bronks attracts interesting productions by other Dutch-language companies to Brussels. Anyone who prefers to go on stage themselves can try out a theatre workshop. Another interesting possibility is the Pantalone arts centre on the Martelaarsplein. Children can also experiment using sound and there are productions, concerts and workshops in the Muziekhuis of Pantalone. | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:44 Pagina 24 | You can also follow higher education in the Dutch lanSlightly older children will undoubtedly enjoy the many guage in Brussels: there are four Dutch-language instiyouth centres and youth clubs active in Brussels. In fact, tutes of higher education and two universities. In Brussels, they can be regularly heard on FM Brussel. The organialmost 23,000 students are at a Dutch-language institute. sation Youth and City (Jeugd en Stad) also uses Brussels The Royal Military School is an exception: there the as its area of operations, with training courses and streetcourses are taught in both the languages of the country. corner workshops and all sorts of projects such as the Rock Factory: workshops, rehearsal spaces, etc., for young musicians. Did There are more than you know that Brussels is the cartoon Obviously a student wants to do more ten youth centres capital of Belgium, and that Youth and than just study, and Brussels is the right operating in Brussels. City has organised a youth hotel, De place to be. Nowhere else will you find as Waterman ? This is just as well because there are so many cultural centres, libraries and museums in such a many things to do that it will take more than one day to compact area. And this is even without the almost infinite do them all. number of possibilities for going out. There are cafés, cinemas, clubs and restaurants for everyone’s taste and style. Largest student city in the country You can enjoy the campus atmosphere of typical student With approximately 70,000 students at universities and cafés, but you will also come across hot spots where you institutes of higher education, Brussels has the largest can count the number of students on one hand. student population in Belgium. However, in a large city Afraid of the large city? such as Brussels, students have a less obvious presence Because the large city frightens some Flemish students than in Leuven or Ghent. Still, Brussels is certainly a stuand probably their parents even more, there are many inident city with an almost infinite range of courses. | 24 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:44 Pagina 25 QUARTIER LATIN INTRODUCED A QUALITY LABEL FOR STUDENT ACCOMMODATION WITH CONDITIONS RELATED TO SAFETY, HYGIENE, COMFORT AND PRICE. BEING YOUNG IN BRUSSELS Studying in Brussels: excellent choice Four institutes of higher education and two universities pro- Institute of Higher Education for Science and Art : visual vide higher education in the Dutch language in Brussels. Here arts, management, industrial sciences, music and dramatic are just a few of the courses you can follow there: arts, technology, architecture, applied linguistics, commercial sciences, etc. European Institute of Higher Education, Brussels (EHSAL) : economics and management, health care, social work, teacher Catholic University of Brussels : law, history, philosophy, training, etc. language and literature, applied economics, commercial engineering, communication sciences, political and social science, Erasmus Institute of Higher Education, Brussels : communi- etc. cation, health care, ecology, hotel and tourism, industrial sciences, conservatory, teacher training, audio-visual and dra- Free University of Brussels : philosophy, language and liter- matic arts, social work, applied linguistics, etc. ature, history, archaeology, law, notarial studies, criminology, economics, political and social sciences, psychology, physical Institute of Higher Education Sint-Lukas, Brussels : con- education, sciences, applied sciences, medicine, pharmacy, struction, interior design, audio-visual arts, visual arts, trans- etc. | media, teacher training, etc. | 25 | | 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 26 tiatives where future students go to be introduced to Brussels. For example, a Students’ Day takes place in Brussels every year in October, a day for students to be introduced to Brussels, but at the same time an event not to be missed by students. In addition, the various institutes of higher education and universities all organise their own information days. Quality student accommodation at Quartier Latin Quartier Latin introduced a quality label for student One of the driving forces behind student life in Brussels is the organisation Quartier Latin , a joint initiative by all the Dutch language institutes of higher education and universities. Quartier Latin would like to improve the image of Brussels as a student city, and is particularly active in relation to housing. Until recently, Brussels did not have one specific student area, although traditionally many students could be found in the area of the Royal Sint-Maria Church in Schaarbeek and also in Elsene near the VUB. However, things have changed as a result of the efforts made by Quartier Latin. accommodation with conditions related to safety, hygiene, comfort and price. The organisation also buys premises itself to rent out as student accommodation, and concludes agreements with landlords. The Quartier Latin database contains thousands of student rooms, hundreds of which have a quality label. The international student house which is being built in the Bischoffsheimlaan is another initiative of Quartier Latin. Belgian and foreign students staying in Brussels for a short period for work placements, can find accommodation there. Furthermore, Quartier Latin also rents out rooms to recent graduates when they are starting | Quartier Latin considers Brussels to be the student city for the 21st century, and this student city needs a real student area in the centre. For this purpose, Quartier Latin has singled out the district between the stock exchange and the canal. However, it should be clear that this must not become a student ghetto but a mixed area where it is also pleasant for non-students to go. | 26 | | 06 work in Brussels in a shortage sector such as education or health care. Are you looking for student accommodation in Brussels? Please search the online student housing database of Quartier Latin, at www.qlb.be. 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 27 Addresses General education Flemish Community Commission (Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie) Information about the Brussels Dutch-language educational provisions, from nursery to adult education: www.schoolkeuze.be, http://bop.vgc.be or www.digitaalbrussel.be Guide to Dutch-language education (Gids voor het Nederlandstalig onderwijs), a detailed summary of all the Dutch-language schools in Brussels, also for part-time art education and education for social promotion (evening classes for adults), can be applied for at the Education Department of the Flemish Community Commission, T 02 482 05 16. Vlaamse Infolijn, 0800 3 02 01 Prospective teachers in Brussels can go to the Flemish Information line for information. Also try surfing to the website www.leerkrachtinbrussel.be. Bronks, Youth theatre, Brialmontstraat 11, 1210 Brussels, T 02 219 99 21, info@bronks.be, www.bronks.be Pantalone, Martelaarsplein 13, 1000 Brussels, T 02 223 00 84, info@pantalone.be, www.pantalone.be Children’s museum, Burgemeesterstraat 15, 1050 Elsene, T 02 640 01 07, childrenmuseum.brussels@skynet.be, www.kindermuseum.be Scientastic Museum, Metro Beurs, niveau -1, 1000 Brussels, T 02 732 13 36, www.scientastic.be Musical Instruments Museum,, Museum for Art and History, Hofberg 2, 1000 Brussels, T 02 545 01 30, www.mim.fgov.be Toy Museum, Verenigingstraat 24, 1000 Brussels, T 02 219 61 68, www.cyber.be/museedujouet Stripmuseum (Belgian Centre of the Cartoon - Belgisch Centrum van het Beeldverhaal), Zandstraat 20, 1000 Brussels, T 02 219 19 80, visit@stripmuseum.be, www.stripmuseum.be Students Institutes of Higher Education European Institute of Higher Education, Brussels (Europese Hogeschool Brussel) (EHSAL), Stormstraat 2, 1000 Brussels, T 02 210 13 12, www.ehsal.be Erasmus Institute of Higher Education, Brussels (Erasmushogeschool Brussel), Nijverheidskaai 170, 1070 Brussels, T 02 523 37 37, www.ehb.be Institute of Higher Education Sint-Lukas, Brussels (Hogeschool Sint-Lukas Brussel), Paleizenstraat 70, 1030 Brussels, T 02 250 11 00, www.sintlukas.be Institute of Higher Education for Science and Art (Hogeschool voor Wetenschap en Kunst), Koningsstraat 328, 1030 Brussels, T 02 250 15 11, www.wenk.be Royal Military School (Koninklijke Militaire School), Renaissancelaan 30, 1000 Brussels, T 02 737 62 11, www.rma.ac.be Quartier Latin - Students in Brussels, Anderlechtsesteenweg 172, 1000 Brussels, T 02 513 71 74, www.qlb.be Other museums You can find information about the other museums on www.brusselsmuseums.be. Art Basics for Children (ABC), Medialab in De Fabriek, Jollystraat 125, 1030 Brussels, T 02 502 00 27, mail@abc-web.be, www.abc-web.be Youth and City (Jeugd en Stad), Werkhuizenstraat 3/5, 1080 Brussels, T 02 411 68 83, Jeugdenstad@jes.be, www.jeugdenstad.be Youth accommodation centre de Waterman, T 02 411 68 83, waterman@jes.be, www.jeugdenstad.be Youth centres in Brussels, http://jeugdhuizen.vgc.be We are doing everything we can to keep the contact addresses in this brochure up to date. However, if you think that a contact address is out of date please let us know, in that case we will change it in the next edition: Ministry of the Flemish Community, Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit, Boudewijnlaan 30, 1000 Brussels, T 02 553 56 28, brussel@vlaanderen.be, www.vlaanderen.be/brussel | Universities Free University of Brussels (VUB), Communication Department, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Elsene, T 02 629 21 34, www.vub.ac.be Catholic University of Brussels (KUB), Vrijheidslaan 17, 1081 Koekelberg, T 02 412 42 11, www.kubrussel.ac.be | 27 | BEING YOUNG IN BRUSSELS Brussels OnderwijsPunt (Brussels Education Point), http://bop.vgc.be Teachers can go to the Brussels Education Point (BOP) of the Flemish Community Commission for a broad range of information and educational resources. Young people and free time | 06 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 28 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 29 Capital of Flanders Two communities in one region Brussels is the capital of Flanders, but at the same time, French has the upper hand in the streets. If you want to understand the reality of Brussels you have to go back a few centuries in time. The complex way in which Brussels is governed also has its roots in history. Today Brussels is an international and multicultural city where French is the main language. Nevertheless, Brussels was originally a Dutch-speaking city, and today it is also the capital of Flanders. On a map of Belgium, it is striking to see that Brussels is like an island in Dutchspeaking Flanders. The Brussels dialect and names of the Brussels municipalities – Schaarbeek, Anderlecht, Watermaal-Bosvoorde, Oudergem – also clearly reveal the Flemish character of the city. From the establishment of Brussels in the 10th century up the end of the 18th century it was a predominately Dutchspeaking city. Obviously, French was spoken at the court, but the same thing applied for St. Petersburg and The Hague. It was only in the 19th century after the independence of Belgium that language relations really changed. The new kingdom had a government that was strictly centralised in Brussels, and in 1830 chose French as the official language. French started to dominate public life and became the language of law, the administration, the army, | Up to the 18th century, Brussels was a predominately Dutch-speaking city | 29 | | 06 CAPITAL OF FLANDERS 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 30 One city, two languages Since the 1960s, Belgium has definitively been divided up into four language areas: the Dutch, French and German language areas and the bilingual French-Dutch area of the Brussels Capital Region. This division is based culture, and the media. As the language of the political and economic elite, French developed to become a status symbol. In 1860, approximately 95% of the people in Flanders spoke Dutch but these people had hardly any political or economic power. They were governed, educated and tried in court in a language which most people did not understand. on the principle of territoriality. In accordance with this principle the language of the region must be used as the official language for certain matters. In the Brussels Capital Region, which comprises the nineteen Brussels municipalities, there are two official languages, Dutch and French which have equal status. This means, amongst other things that you can use either French or Dutch in all the Brussels public institutions – including the OCMW and IRIS hospitals, the 19th century: French to achieve progress Belgium was governed from the centrally situated capital of Brussels. The court, the government and the parliament were all located there. Gradually a financial and economic elite also developed around this political centre. Brussels gained a French-speaking upper and middle class incredibly quickly. It was virtually only possible to receive primary and secondary education in French, so that French gradually also permeated the lower social classes. emergency services, and the fire brigade. If you speak Dutch in a post office, or in the town hall, the person helping you at the counter must also speak to you in Dutch. Although this right is guaranteed by law, it is not | always respected in practice. | 30 | | 06 In the same period, Brussels also attracted large numbers of newcomers, the majority of whom came from Flanders. Flanders had been one of the richest regions of Europe for centuries, but in the 19th century there was a period of economic decline and hunger. These newcomers also 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 31 Become more aware of language laws Because the language legislation is relatively complicated, particularly in Brussels, the Government of Flanders has established the Language Legislation Support Centre (Steunpunt Taalwetwijzer) . You can go there with questions and complaints and you can order a brochure which can clarify these matters. became more French: anyone who spoke only Dutch had no chance at all of advancing. Flemish parents made sure that their children spoke perfect French. If they were able to afford it, they sent their children to French language schools. The result was that their children became bilingual but their grandchildren often spoke only French. This spread of the French language also took place outside the historical centre: surrounding municipalities such as Elsene, Schaarbeek, Molenbeek and Anderlecht gradually became more and more French. Movement in Flanders New stimuli for Dutch During the course of all these years, there were obviously still many Dutch-speaking people living in the Brussels municipalities. They saw the city becoming more French and developed a network of Dutch language institutions and initiatives. This meant that the Flemish people in Brussels could experience their own culture and be taught, cared for and assisted in their own language. | At the end of the 19th century a broad Flemish emancipation movement got under way. This insisted for the first time that Dutch should be considered on an equal par with French and that both languages should become the official languages of government throughout Belgium. This was inconceivable for the French speakers. Wallonia was only French speaking and the Walloons wanted it to stay that way. The Flemish people then adjusted their demands: Flanders should also become monolingual. This demand was met in the early 1960s. However, meanwhile Brussels had continued to become more and more French. In the 1950s Brussels had already expanded to nineteen – formerly Flemish – municipalities. The Flemish realised that measures were needed to prevent even more Flemish municipalities from becoming French. Furthermore, they wished to prevent Brussels the capital of a bilingual country, from becoming monolingually French. The first step was to limit Brussels to the nineteen municipalities. Brussels was then given a bilingual status and the Flemish people had to be properly represented in government and administration. Many of these demands were achieved in 1963 when the Belgian parliament approved the language legislation. | 31 | | 06 CAPITAL OF FLANDERS 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 32 As Flanders became increasingly independent culturally and politically, the Government of Flanders started to actively support this Flemish network in Brussels. It became larger and was institutionalised, and expanded to become today’s close-knit and open network. Since Flanders has developed to become a prosperous region itself, the Dutch language has also received a new stimulus in Brussels. For anyone applying for a job in Brussels today, a knowledge of Dutch is an advantage, and more and more people who speak other languages have shown an interest in learning Dutch. Belgium: regions and communities In order to understand how Brussels is governed today, it is necessary to look at the history of Belgium. Up to 1970, Belgium was a single state with one parliament and one government. From 1970 the Belgian state was gradually transformed into a federal state consisting of a number of federated states. In a federal state the citizens are governed at the same time by the federal government and by the government of their federated state. These governments have equal status and have their own competences. For example, the federal state is competent for justice in all the federated states, but is not competent for the media. In Flanders it is the Government of Flanders which decides which television companies can use the cable. This seems a simple principle, but in practice it is more complicated. In fact, Belgium has two sorts of federated states which partly overlap in terms of territory: communities and regions. > Belgium is a federal state which consists of three communities and three regions. Belgium has three communities: the Flemish Community, the French Community and the German language Community. These communities are, in the first place, competent in their own language area. However, the Flemish and French Communities also have competences in the bilingual Brussels Capital Region, because Brussels does not form a separate fourth community. Therefore you could say that the Flemish people in Brussels form part of the Flemish Community while the French-speaking population of Brussels is part of the French Community. In this 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 33 sense a community is a population group which speaks the same language. The communities are competent for language, culture, education and welfare and health care. and the Flemish Region. This means there is only one Flemish Parliament and one Flemish Government. > The Flemish Community: all the inhabitants of the Dutch language area and the Flemish inhabitants of Brussels. > The French Community: all the inhabitants of the French language area and the French-speaking inhabitants of Brussels. > The German language Community: all the inhabitants of the German language area. A special arrangement was worked out for Brussels in the 1980s. After all, there are Dutch-speaking as well as French-speaking inhabitants of Brussels, and moreover, the capital of Belgium could not simply be classified under Flanders or Wallonia. Since 1989, the nineteen municipalities of Brussels have jointly formed a separate region: the Brussels Capital Region. At the same time, both the French Community and the Flemish Community have competences in Brussels. Brussels, one region, two communities Belgium also has three regions. The regions exercise their competences in a well-defined territorial area. The territory of the Flemish Region corresponds with the Dutch language area. The Brussels Capital Region comprises the bilingual area of the Brussels Capital – the nineteen municipalities of Brussels. The territory of the Walloon Region corresponds to the territory of the French and German language areas. The Regions are competent for matters such as the economy, employment, agriculture, roads, town and country planning and the environment. > The Flemish Region: the region which corresponds to the Dutch language area. > The Brussels Capital Region: the bilingual area of the Brussels Capital, i.e., the area which corresponds with the nineteen municipalities of Brussels. > The Walloon Region: the area which corresponds with the French and German language areas Institutionally the Brussels Capital Region is different from the Flemish and Walloon Regions. Furthermore, the nature of the legal norms which the Brussels Parliament can issue is slightly different from those of the Flemish and Walloon Parliament. The Brussels Parliament exercises its competences through ordinances, while the Flemish Parliament and its Walloon counterpart issue decrees. Although both the ordinances and the decrees have force of law, stronger legal control is possible on the ordinances and they can Brussels, capital of Flanders When Flanders became a federated state of Belgium, it chose Brussels to be its capital city. In order to emphasise the close links between Flanders and Brussels, the central Flemish institutions were accommodated in Brussels. The Flemish Parliament meets there in its own parliament building. The seat of the Government of Flanders is situated on the Martelaarsplein, and a large part of the Flemish administration is situated in the centre of Brussels. | Every region and every community has its own government and its own parliament. In 1980 Flanders decided to combine the governments of the Flemish Community | 33 | | 06 CAPITAL OF FLANDERS 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 34 Flemish Community in Brussels The Flemish Community does not always act directly in Brussels: sometimes it does so through the local admin- > The nineteen municipalities of Brussels together constitute the Brussels Capital Region. It is competent for territorial matters. istrative levels of the provinces or municipalities. In Brussels this local administrative level is carried out by the Flemish Community Commission (VGC). The VGC supports the Dutch language provisions in Brussels in the fields of culture, education and welfare, and health care. In addition, the VGC helps to ensure that the Flemish decrees are implemented in Brussels. The VGC also has a board and a committee: there are seventeen Dutch-speaking members of parliament of the Brussels Parliament on the board of the VGC. There are Dutch-speaking Brussels ministers and a secretary of The Flemish and French Communities also have competence in Brussels for subjects related to personal and cultural matters, such as welfare, education and cultural affairs. After all, the Flemish inhabitants of Brussels are part of the Flemish Community , while the French inhabitants of Brussels are part of the French Community. Therefore both Communities can take direct decisions in Brussels. For example, if the Flemish Parliament approves a decree related to education, that decree also applies for the Dutch language schools in Brussels. state in the committee. only be overturned by the federal parliament in exceptional cases. | The Brussels Capital Region is the most important policy level in Brussels. It is competent for so-called territorial matters such as traffic, the environment, urban development, public works, housing, the economy and infrastructure. The Brussels Capital Region has its own parliament, its own government and its own administration. The Brussels Parliament is the parliament of the Brussels Capital Region. It consists of 89 directly elected members. Of these, 17 seats are reserved for the Dutch language group. The Brussels Capital Region has five ministers: two are French-speaking, two are Dutch-speaking, and one is the minister-president. | 34 | | 06 > The Flemish Community and the French Community are competent in Brussels for subjects related to personal and cultural matters. Sometimes the Communities do not act directly, but through their Community Commissions in Brussels: the Flemish Community Commission (VGC) and the French Community Commission (Cocof ). The VGC and Cocof are like the tentacles of the two Communities in Brussels. The Joint Community Commission (GGC), in which both language groups are represented, was established in order to regulate matters which are not exclusively the competence of one Community or the other, such as, for example, the OCMWs (public welfare centres). 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:45 Pagina 35 Addresses Flemish Community Commission The Flemish Community Commission plays a pivotal role in Flemish Ministry of the Flemish Community, Administrative Coordination community life in Brussels. You can go there for information about Brussels Unit, Boudewijnlaan 30, 1000 Brussels, T 02 553 56 28, Dutch language education, child care, culture, sport, youth organisa- brussel@vlaanderen.be, www.vlaanderen.be/brussel, tions, etc. taalwetwijzer@vlaanderen.be, www.taalwetwijzer.be Flemish Community Commission, Sainctelettesquare 17, 1000 Brussels, T 02 548 05 80, www.digitaalbrussel.be and www.vgc.be Flemish Infoline 0800 3 02 01 You can call the information number of the Government of Flanders with all your questions for the Government of Flanders. You will also find all the information about current campaigns and new initiatives there, and you can surf to www.vlaanderen.be Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit and Language Legislation Support Centre (Steunpunt Taalwetwijzer) In the Ministry of the Flemish Community the Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit is responsible for a number of administrative aspects of the Brussels policy, but is also responsible for strengthening the link between Flanders and Brussels, strengthening We are doing everything we can to keep the contact addresses the Flemish presence in Brussels, providing information on the lan- in this brochure up to date. However, if you think that a contact guage legislation, etc. address is out of date please let us know. In that case we will change it in the next edition: Ministry of the Flemish Community, Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit, Boudewijnlaan 30, 1000 Brussels, T 02 553 56 28, brussel@vlaanderen.be, www.vlaanderen.be/brussel | • You can order extra copies of this brochure from this department. It is also available in Dutch, French and German. • You can also go there for the language legislation support centre with a brochure of the same name. | 35 | | 06 CAPITAL OF FLANDERS 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 04-04-2005 15:46 Brussels Welcome and Promotion Archives and Museum of Flemish Life in Brussels Capital Public Library Ancienne Belgique Beursschouwburg Kaaitheater Royal Flemish Theater Dutch-language House deBuren (Vlaams-Nederlands huis) Pagina 36 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Passa Porta Senior Citizens Centre Flemish Parliament Flemish Government (Martelaarsplein) Headquarters of the Flemish Administration Headquarters of the VGC Council (Lombardstraat) Headquarters of the VGC Administration (Sainctelettesquare) 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 16 04-04-2005 15:46 Pagina 37 6 14 7 2 13 1 9 3 10 11 5 12 4 15 8 06 050860 BRUSSEL Eng 04-04-2005 15:46 Pagina 38 You want more information about this brochure? Ministry of the Flemish Community, Administrative Coordination Brussels Unit, T 02 553 56 28, brussel@vlaanderen.be COLOPHON Responsible Publisher: Armand De Troyer (Administratie Kanselarij en Voorlichting) Editor and lay-out: Jansen & Janssen Uitgeverij, www.jaja.be Advice on content : Ann Steenwinckel and Gunter Bousset Translation: BD Consult Photos: Kristien Buyse page 6 left: Zinneke Parade 2004, ©Bertrand Ginet page 7: Couleur Café, ©Nathalie Nizette page 7 below: ©Alain Dereymaeker Printer: Sintjoris Registration number: D/2004/3241/357