This year’s opening of the academic year at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel will be different. At 16.00 on Friday 20 September, the university will kick off the year with the Feest van de Vrije Geest, the Celebration of the Open Mind, at the Koninklijk Circus in Brussels. Numerous passionate voices, from both inside and outside the university, will take to the stage to celebrate free thinking, in the form of sharp analysis and stand-up comedy. Former Humo editor-in-chief Guy Mortier and socially engaged Dutch actress Femke Lakerveld will be awarded honorary doctorates during the event. “With the Feest van de Vrije Geest, we want to place the V of VUB – representing freedom – firmly at the centre,” says rector Jan Danckaert.
The event is not only the launch of the new academic year but also a celebration of freedom. We are free to question everything, free to decide over our own bodies, free to reject higher powers. In his opening speech, Jan Danckaert will address how invaluable these quintessentially humanist freedoms are for an open, tolerant society. His message: free thinkers have always been a driving force for progress, at all times and in all places.
The festival will feature a series of opinion makers and wordsmiths, including Rudi Vranckx, Elisabeth Lucie Baeten, Christophe Busch, Sara Leemans, Dena Vahdani and Ruth Lasters. This will be interspersed with music by the Belgian band Ão, known for their unique mix of saudade, indie and electronica.
Two honorary doctorates
Guy Mortier and Femke Lakerveld will both receive honorary doctorates from VUB.
Picture: Johan Jacobs
The university wishes to honour Guy Mortier for the significant impact he has made on the media and cultural landscape over the past 50 years. We honour his substantial contribution to the Dutch language and culture, the way he addressed social issues in public opinion through Humo magazine, and his talent for capturing the absurdity of everyday life. Mortier has inspired and encouraged many young journalists, authors and creatives, leaving a lasting impact in both Belgium and the Netherlands.
Femke Lakerveld will receive an honorary doctorate for her achievements in acting, but especially for her leading role in the Vrij Links movement, whose progressive and secular values align seamlessly with those of VUB. The university wishes to honour her as a leader and figurehead of this movement, and for her tireless dedication to individual freedom, equality and solidarity.
“In Guy Mortier and Femke Lakerveld, we are highlighting two exceptional personalities. Their work has always been about the free spirit, critical thinking and a secular society,” says rector Danckaert.
Mortier and Lakerveld will both have the opportunity to speak extensively during the festival.
Picture: Jenneke Boeijink
On Friday 20 September at 16h00, the VUB will set the Brussels Royal Circus ablaze with the Celebration of the Open mind. Expect a pleiade of well-known opinion makers and (word) artists who will make it clear to us in their very own way what freedom means to them: Guy Mortier, Rudi Vranckx, Elisabeth Lucie Baeten, Christophe Busch, Sara Leemans, Dena Vahdani, Ruth Lasters... The music is by this year's Belgian pride at Pukkelpop, Ão. Register quickly for the Celebration of the Open Mind here.
