As Heads of State and Government from 53 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Partners gathered for the 12th ASEM Summit (ASEM12) in Brussels in October, the creativity and cultural diversity of Asia and Europe was also highlighted through a festival of dance, digital art, film, music, theatre and visual arts at the ASEM Cultural Festival.
On 18-19 October 2018, the European Union hosted ASEM12, which brought together ASEM leaders to discuss ideas for strengthening dialogue and co-operation between the two continents. An official side-event of ASEM12, the ASEM Cultural Festival titled “Europe meets Asia, Asia meets Europe” was held from 18-30 October 2018.
Brussels’ leading cultural institution, Centre for Fine Arts-Brussels (BOZAR), hosted the ASEM Cultural Festival. The 2-week Festival offered a diverse range of programming from Asia and Europe including performances, exhibitions, and discussions. Highlights of the Festival included:
- Opening event: a specially commissioned digital & music performance under the artistic direction of renowned Belgian artist, Honoré d’O, was held on 18 October 2018
- Forum: on 22 October 2018, 2 leading architects from Asia and Europe, Mr WANG Shu (China) and Mr Paul ROBBRECHT (Belgium), presented their viewpoints on the topic of contemporary architectural practice and heritage.
The festival was organised by Centre for Fine Arts-Brussels (BOZAR) with the support of the European Union and the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF).
See the “Useful Links” section to read interviews with Mr Paul DUJARDIN, CEO & Artistic Director, BOZAR; Mr Honore d’O, Artist; Mr Lucas DE MAN, Director & Mr Pichet KLUNCHUN, Dancer & Choreographer and the article on the Architecture Forum at the ASEM Culture Festival.
For highlights of the Festival, follow these hashtags on FaceBook, Twitter and LinkedIn: #ASEM12, #ASEMfest, #ASEF, #BOZAR
