Pilar, the open artistic laboratory affiliated with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), presents its diverse program for the coming months. With a varied mix of music, visual arts, performance, and debate, Pilar continues to strengthen its role as a platform for emerging artists and innovative creators. Below is a selection from the program.
Nom de Dieu
From November 28, 2024, to February 15, 2025, the exhibition "Nom de Dieu: critique, blasphemy, satire...?" will be on display at Pilar Expo, curated by Willem Elias. The exhibition explores the boundaries of religious satire and blasphemy through works by 26 Belgian artists, including Félicien Rops, Marcel Mariën, Wim Delvoye, and Rob Vanoudenhoven. The exhibition is open from Wednesday to Saturday, from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
Concerts
In Memoriam: De Nooit Moede – On January 30, 2025, artists such as Fixkes, Daisy Ray, Vieze Meisje, and Miaux will pay tribute to the Belgian cult band De Nooit Moede.
Soundcute x Antibody presents Nik Colk Void (UK) + GHOST DUBS (DE) + MT GEMINI – On February 13, 2025, Pilar welcomes these avant-garde artists for an evening of experimental electronic music.
Etiket records presents: Julien Tanghe & Friends – On February 20, 2025, the Brussels-based label will host an evening featuring emerging talents such as Helena Casella and Empty Apartments. This event is part of ‘Pilar & Friends’: buy a ticket and bring a friend for free.
Performance and Theater
PEEKABOO by Maxime Dreesen – On February 17, 2025, Maxime Dreesen presents a compelling performance exploring the boundaries of visibility and identity – this show is sold out.
Inland Island - A performative installation – On March 25, 2025, Tineke De Meyer presents a performative installation examining the relationship between humans and nature.
Pilar ASAP Festival
From March 6 to April 3, 2025, the Pilar ASAP Festival will take place, a multidisciplinary festival bringing together boundary-pushing music, cutting-edge performances, and interactive art installations. This year, the festival revolves around liminality: a physical and mental state of being—familiar yet strange, melancholic yet transformative. A space where change becomes possible. The lineup includes artists Elena Colombi + Naomie Klaus, Callahan & Witscher + Gyeongsu + Sans Âge, Valentina Magaletti x Upsammy + Pippin, and Puce Mary + CEM + Lamina. The opening concerts are curated by the Brussels-based In Vitro project space.
Medusa
Pilar's exhibition space will be taken over by Medusa. This young Brussels-based collective curates ‘Are We Nearly There Yet?’, exploring how playful imagery and visual humor not only convey themes of desire, liminality, and coming of age but also contain layers of critique directed at ‘adult’ power structures and the systems of modernity.
Discover the full program at pilar.brussels.
Contact
Gijs Ieven
Coordinator Pilar
gijs.ieven@vub.be
Eline Vancraeyveldt
Communication & Public Pilar
eline.jeanine.vancraeyveldt@vub.be
Astrid De Sterck
Muziek Programmer Pilar
astrid.de.sterck@vub.be
Practical information
All events take place at Pilar, located on the VUB campus, Triomflaan, Entrance 6, 1050 Brussels. For the full program, tickets, and more information, visit Pilar’s website.
About Pilar
Pilar is an open artistic laboratory for young people, located at the VUB. Music and visual arts are the primary disciplines, but theater, performance, debate, and inspiring talks also have a place in the program. Pilar serves as a discovery platform, offering performance and development opportunities to collectives, emerging artists, and creators. It is a testing ground where talent development and co-creation with young people take center stage.