Antwerp promotes local performing arts scene with new campaign
The city of Antwerp has launched a new initiative to support the local performing arts scene. The Podiumbeesten campaign is intended to introduce the public to the coming season's variety of theatre, dance, musical, opera and classical and contemporary music performances.
“With Museum Night, Heritage Day, Youth Book Month and Antwerp Art Weekend, there are already initiatives that highlight different cultural sub-sectors, but this was still lacking for the performing arts,” said city councillor Nabilla Ait Daoud, who is repsonsible for culture.
Several personalities from Antwerp’s performing arts scene are supporting the Podiumbeesten (Stage Animals) project. A questionnaire is used to determine viewers' profiles and each result is linked to a creator in Antwerp, such as actor Dimitri Leue.
"It gives the performing arts sector a shot in the arm and that was necessary"
“I am happy with and proud of this initiative,” said Leue. “It gives the performing arts sector a shot in the arm and that was necessary. It has been difficult to bounce back after the Covid crisis. The halls are finally starting to fill up again and this campaign can offer additional help with that. The variety of performances taking place in Antwerp is huge, sometimes I can't see the wood for the trees myself, so a campaign like Podiumbeesten can show you the way.”
About 40 art institutions are taking part in the campaign and are providing free tickets that the public can win. Tickets are also being given away for other experiences, such as guided tours or the chance to meet performers. On 1 September, Lange Vlierstraat will be transformed into a Culture Street, showcasing the programmes of a number of small theatres.
#FlandersNewsService | The Bourlaschouwburg theatre in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO JONAS ROOSENS
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