Brussels, the most surprising holiday destination thanks to Staycation

The staycation projects are spread across all municipalities of the Brussels-Capital Region. Some of them cross the municipal borders, or extend to the entire region. For example, this summer you will be able to kayak in favour of a clean canal and several window artists will embellish showcases throughout the Region. There will be a human jukebox for seniors and a concert offer for residential care centres.

The projects are diverse and often very original and include youth, cultural, sports and leisure activities.  Both organisations and individual Brussels artists or residents have the opportunity to realise their summer project.

The 22 Brussels community centres and the various VGC domains will also use the name “Staycation BXL” to promote the summer offer of the Dutch speaking network. They approach Brusselers in (semi) public spaces, respond to the specific needs of the different neighbourhoods and actively reach out to the more vulnerable target groups. 

All the information on Staycation BXL can be found on staycation.brussels. You can submit projects for August until 15 July through this call.

"The mix of projects we received, shows the vibrant creativity of our city," says VGC college member for culture, youth and sport Pascal Smet. “Often, the local residents themselves know what a neighbourhood needs. The corona crisis made many Brusselers realise that public space in the city is just as much a place to relax, connect with each other, play and exercise. During the staycation, we invest in numerous activities so that Brusselers can (re)discover their city. In addition, we help artists and other initiators to get back to work at a fair wage."

"Organisations and Brusselers have made a great effort to come up with something original for other Brusselers who spend their holidays in our city: from excursions to valuable but little known places, games challenging teams to compete, invitations for a typical dance performance from a distant country, a stroll to a fascinating neighbourhood at the other side of the city... Imagination has fully been used in Brussels. This should result in an unforgettable staycation," says college member Sven Gatz. 

“Together with all these organisations, we are preparing Brussels for a lovely summer, adapted to the new reality. It will be an extensive, elaborate summer offer in the different neighbourhoods, which at the same time supports the revival of Brussels. To do so, we are making extra public space available for the Brusselers, through play streets, living streets and low car traffic areas. Thanks to the excellent cooperation, we can make a difference for many Brusselers this summer,” says Elke Van den Brandt, president of the VGC college.

The illustrations are made by the Brussels artist Karolina Szejda. In 2019 she graduated at the LUCA School of Arts in Brussels with a Master's degree in Graphic Storytelling. Now, she teaches drawing to little artists.