Discover the organisations ready to help and support BelgianFashion
More Info
BeCraft are artists from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation supported, promoted, trained and informed.
It is a continuous exchange between Belgium and the International.
It is a place in a historic high place: the Old Slaughterhouses of Mons.
It is also a space for exhibitions, conferences, workshops and above all, meetings.
Representative of Applied Arts in French-speaking Belgium, BeCraft lifts the veil on current creation, its new approaches and new techniques.
MISSION
BeCraft is a professional association promoting applied arts professions in the regions of Wallonia and Brussels. Ceramics, glass, jewellery, paper, textiles, object design are, among others, the creative fields in which the artists who are supported and promoted are involved. BeCraft works in conjunction with WCC•Europe, within the global structure of the World Crafts Council.
Four main objectives motivate the actions of BeCraft: the support and promotion in Belgium and abroad of its member artists; informing and training the public and professionals in the field through exhibitions, conferences, workshops and guided tours.
The BeCraft Gallery is a showcase for the latest, ever more innovative and daring creations of member artists. The rigor with which the works are selected and presented does not hinder the conviviality of the place, conducive to tasting tea in handmade bowls.
Particular attention is paid to the creators of tomorrow. With this in mind, the association organizes the Tremplin exhibition each year, a competition for students who have recently graduated from the Schools of Art of Wallonia and Brussels. The exhibition of their end-of-study work shows a new landscape of Belgian creation in full prospection, while giving them a professional boost thanks to the Prizes awarded on this occasion.
A number of international exhibitions, in collaboration with other institutions, are organized here and then exported abroad. It is by offering the public and artists the opportunity to contemplate the works of creators from all countries that BeCraft contributes to promoting dialogue, stimulation and emulation of the Applied Arts.
Its participation in international exhibitions and fairs also confirms this objective by promoting artistic exchanges between Belgian and foreign creation while allowing its member artists to enjoy a certain recognition across Europe.
STORY
Before being renamed BeCraft in October 2018, the association was known as the World Crafts Council – Francophone Belgium (WCC-BF).
It was in 1981, with the support of the World Crafts Council, an NGO recognized by UNESCO, that the WCC-BF was founded. Starting with the determination of the creators gathered around Anne Leclercq, professor of ceramics and one of the founding members of the association, the WCC-BF ignores the difficulties to ensure the promotion of the Craft of creation and the improvement of the living conditions of creators. Gradually, the WCC-BF gains visibility and obtains the support of public and private institutions such as the City of Mons, the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, the Province of Hainaut, the National Lottery, the European Union… with which partnerships are made. .
After more than twenty years of work driven by the permanent investment of Anne Leclercq – then President of WCC-BF, of WCC-Europe and Vice-President of WCC International –, the WCC-BF finds a place commensurate with its aspirations. Since 2006, he has occupied the Old Slaughterhouses of Mons, built in 1884 by the architect Charles François Sury in a Lombard style; admirably renovated by the Atelier Matador and the architect Philippe Roland in the spirit of their original function. The association’s gallery is located in the old barn where the offices are also located, designed as bivalent spaces for concentration and interaction with the public. It is in this place that the permanent exhibition of the creations of member artists, temporary exhibitions and tea tastings are held. The Grande Halle, with a surface area of 700m², hosts major cultural events, organized from time to time by the association, such as the International Triennials (European Triennial of Contemporary Jewelery; European Triennial of Ceramics and Glass; European Prize for Applied Arts) . The fridge, meanwhile, is a space conducive to events. Screenings, conferences and workshops are regularly held there.
In 2016, Anne Leclercq gave way to the new generation. Gaëlle Cornut will manage for three years an institution then recognized throughout Europe. Today, at the dawn of its forty years, the renamed association is managed horizontally by three managers (Administration, Project, Communication) and pursues the primary objective of universalizing the Applied Arts. BeCraft affirms its contemporary spirit and strengthens the promotion of creators in Belgium and abroad.
MANIFESTO FOR THE APPLIED ARTS
ABOUT THE MANIFESTO:
To mark its 40th anniversary, the World Crafts Council Europe has undertaken a survey of its members to determine the challenges facing the crafts sector. The results of the survey form the basis for the development of this “Crafting Europe, manifesto and action plan”.
THE ACTION PLAN SEEKS SOLUTIONS THAT WILL:
– Recognize the contribution of craftsmanship to our European society, heritage, culture and economy.
– Celebrate this rich creative sector which values the human connection with the world around us and which shows the way forward for sustainable development in local economies.
– Provide appropriate supports and legislation to enable the sector to grow commercially.
– Build the future of the sector through appropriate training to ensure the transmission of skills to young people.
– Stimulate all types of innovation to ensure the evolution of craftsmanship.
– Raising awareness in the sector in order to promote, preserve and protect the European craft heritage transmitted from generation to generation.
HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE TO IT?
By simply signing the manifesto, you, together with the European institutions and national decision-makers who support us, work together on this six-point action plan to ensure the survival and development of craftsmanship for future generations.
https://wcc-europe.org/support-the-manifesto-for-the-future-of-fine-crafts-in-europe/
Site des Anciens Abattoirs 17/02 Rue de la Trouille Mons 7000 Belgium
Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen
Agentschap Innoveren & OndernemenMore Info
Flanders Innovation & Entrepreneurship (in Dutch: Agentschap Innoveren & Ondernemen) is a government agency, charged with implementing the economic, innovation and enterprise policy in Flanders, the Dutch speaking northern part of Belgium.
We help companies with the startup of their activities, the grow and continuity of their business, but also with the search for the right location, information on permits, financing, investments in innovation and ecological technologies, and other topics. In short, we confidentially guide entrepreneurs throughout the government landscape.
Koning Albert II-laan 35 box 12 Brussels 1030 Belgium
PLACE SAINCTELETTE, 2 BRUXELLES 1080 Belgium
Maison du Design
Maison du DesignMore Info
Maison du Design supports you in the creation and development of your business.
Our creative methodology adapts to your needs and allows you to maximize the chances of success of your project.
We make it a point of honor to make design a lever for the economic, cultural and social development of our region.
ID FIRST
Design ?
For some, design is simply an aesthetic approach: a pretty object, a car with clean lines or an overpriced piece of furniture.
However, design is an integral part of our daily lives but it still has to fight to assert itself in our society.
When the design is thought out and integrated from the start of the creation and production process of a new project, it is a source of savings, of great added value and is an invaluable factor of differentiation, sometimes even more decisive than the functionality of the product. herself.
In a competitive economic climate where innovation and creativity are paramount, design is a major lever for economic development. Design is now opening up to many fields, it must become a commercial and industrial reflex.
“An in-depth analysis conducted by the red dot institute for advanced design studies shows that companies that sustainably invest in innovative, well-designed products and use design as a tool for strategic leadership often achieve higher sales and profits. average and gain clear advantages over the competition” Prof. Dr. Peter Zec, initiator of the Red Dot Design award.
Maison du Design offers:
Creation and development support
Accompaniment in the integration of design in business
A “Designer’s Boutique”
Events (exhibitions, workshops, etc.)
The designer shop
In May 2021, Maison du Design opens its Designer Boutique. This “Boutique” invites you to discover talented Belgian and French designers in a cozy and stylish atmosphere in the heart of Mons. Meetings, activities and workshops with creators will be organized throughout the year in this place dedicated to discovery and experimentation.
@Aequo
The values that guide us
Proximity
We offer personalized support focused on listening and professional exchanges.
Quality and know-how
We are continuously developing skills and expertise in our areas of work in order to guarantee you professional and innovative support.
Collaboration
We work with our partners to foster more effective networking.
Involvement
We show involvement in the various steps undertaken with you as well as motivation and responsiveness in the follow-up of your files.
Innovation
We offer you a creative and stimulating environment, a source of inspiration to boost your business.
Rue des Sœurs Noires, 4 Mons 7000 Belgium
Belgium is Design
Belgium is DesignMore Info
Belgium is Design is a declaration of passion for design, highlighting the unique characteristics of Belgium’s creative production, a programme to promote Belgian design on the international scene.
About
The BELGIUM IS DESIGN project promotes Belgian design around the world and is an initiative of 3 institutions: Flanders DC, MAD – Home of Creators and Wallonie-Bruxelles Design Mode.
This joined-up approach has been active since 2011, stimulating and developing initiatives to showcase Belgium’s designers, manufacturers and producers on foreign markets.
Belgium is Design’ strategy takes shape through recurring presences at key events, such as the Milan Design Week or the Maison&Objet fair in Paris. It is enriched by occasional participations in other events that allow the designers to approach new markets or that give promising opportunities for the international development of Belgian companies.
WALLONIE-BRUXELLES DESIGN MODE
WBDM supports design and fashion by opening international doors for companies and designers based in Wallonia and Brussels. Since 2006, WBDM has given its support to these creative industries, mainly
achieved through collective stands at international trade fairs, exhibitions, B2B events, and meetings with the press and other international opinion makers. Through these activities and close supervision, WBDM continues to witness the flourishing of business in this sector.
Laure Capitani, Aline Lermusieaux,
Leslie Lombard and Giorgia Morero
FLANDERS DC
Flanders DC for Design supports, promotes and connects Flemish entrepreneurs and companies from the design industry, both at the start, growth and professional expansion of their business. Flanders DC provides advice and guidance, opens doors abroad through international actions, brings recognition with, among others, the Henry van de Velde Awards, and inspires and stimulates collaborations.
Christian Oosterlinck
MAD, HOME OF CREATORS
MAD Brussels wants to give wings to young designers. In addition to promoting and showcasing the Brussels fashion and design sector, the Center for Fashion & Design wants to stimulate, support and encourage creative initiatives. Innovative, sustainable and inclusive entrepreneurship plays a very important role at MAD. Designers can get help in developing their own brand and label. Together with a lot of Brussels creative talent, MAD Brussels builds the creative character of the capital.
Dieter Van den Storm
Belgian Fashion Awards
Belgian Fashion AwardsMore Info
The Belgian Fashion Awards have been organised annually since 2017 by the organisations Flanders DC, MAD Brussels, Wallonia-Brussels Design Mode (WBDM), and the magazines Knack
Weekend and Le Vif Weekend. These awards were created to highlight the reputation, creativity, and diversity of Belgian fashion both at home and abroad. We also want to pay attention here to
those who work behind the scenes and provide a stage for lesser-known names and new talent.
Annually, the awards are a stimulus to celebrate Belgian fashion, meet each other, and deepen
ties across the creative sector. Besides being surreal, modest, industrious, avant-garde, and nononsense, the organisers show that Belgian fashion also stands for independence, personality,
and sustainability. At the Belgian Fashion Awards, we give a voice to the Belgian fashion industry, which is usually humble. http://www.belgianfashionwards.be
Centexbel
CentexbelMore Info
Strategy
We, at Centexbel, believe that Europe has a fascinating textile and plastic processing industry and we are proud to be part of it. Every single day we meet passionate people, we encounter great companies, we discover exciting technologies.
We care for our industry and firmly believe that by building and sharing knowledge and know-how and by engaging in close and deep collaborations we can contribute to a sustainable future for our companies.
This belief strengthens our ambition, defines our culture, shapes our organization and motivates us to do the things we do. We aim at pushing the boundaries.
Our guiding principles
We place the companies at the centre of our attention and facilitate a close connection and intense contacts with companies of the textile, plastic converting and related industries in Europe and especially in Belgium: a relationship built on trust.
Our staff members are our most precious assets. We offer them space for creativity and a maximal responsibility.
We develop industrial knowledge that really matters, in fields related to technologies, processes, products and their application fields that are of could be useful to the textile and plastic converting industry.
We transfer our knowledge to as many European companies as possible, without distinction but in total respect of confidentially.
We are making use of public funding and therefore we are complying with the expectations of and directions set out by the funding authorities.
Key activities
Research and development in fields with a high added value, and more in particular in the melt processing of polymers, in coating and surface modification, composites, recycling, smart textiles, textile applications and material characterisation. Polymers, their additives and their processing are the common theme throughout our research activities.
Product certification and finding adequate solutions in an independent manner, within the regulatory boundaries, but in full understanding of the challenges with which companies are faced.
Assisting companies in analysing, characterising and testing of products by means of the most advanced instruments and based on our excellent knowledge of products and processes.Dissemination of knowledge, in particular by allowing companies to make use of research results in their specific business context.
It is our ambition to be one of Europe’s best in the above mentioned fields. Moreover, as a technological centre, Centexbel aspires to hold a key position in the target group of the chemical intensive polymer processing industry. This target group includes the textile industry, the plastic converting industry, the coating industry, the adhesive industry and others.
Technologiepark 70 Zwijnaarde 9052 Belgium
Rue du Travail 5 Grâce-Hollogne 4460 Belgium
Etienne Sabbelaan 49 Kortrijk 8500 Belgium
Rue Montoyer 24 Brussels 1000 Belgium
Vlaams Instituut voor Logistiek (VIL)
Vlaams Instituut voor Logistiek (VIL)More Info
The Flanders Institute for Logistics (Vlaams Instituut voor de Logistiek or VIL for short) is the innovation platform for the logistics sector. VIL helps Flanders-based companies carry out innovative logistics projects, enhancing their competitiveness in the process. It receives grants for this purpose from the Flemish government.
As a membership organization, VIL brings together companies and organizations from various sectors – shippers and logistics service providers as well as knowledge institutions, public bodies and companies from the IT, engineering, temporary employment, construction, real estate and fashion worlds – offering unique networking opportunities.
Koninklijkelaan 76 Berchem B-2600
MAD Brussels
MAD BrusselsMore Info
MAD Brussels – Mode and Design Center – is a platform of expertise and a unique shop window to show off the value of the fashion and design sectors in Brussels.
Its mission, which is at the heart of innovation and is oriented to the future, is to promote all the professions, encourage initiatives and support all the players in these two sectors to support their development and growth, from and towards Brussels.
Coordinating support and initiatives that are channelled to it, MAD Brussels ensures the local and international econo- mic promotion of Brussels creators and designers as well as investment in the Brussels Region from external players. This is done by activating networks of jobs and know-how, through high quality national and international events and by develo- ping a network of exchanges on an international scale. This is all done together with an action to revitalise Brussels districts needing revitalisation, thereby boosting the attractiveness of Brussels.
MAD Brussels highlights the position of the town-region, among traditional European capitals of fashion and design, as being an innovating centre for dynamic and avant-garde fashion and for cooperative and universal design. Set up in 2011, the asbl MAD Brussels is the result of close cooperation between different Belgian and European institutions such as the European Regional Development Fund, the Brussels Capital Region and the City of Brussels.
Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 10 Nieuwe Graanmarkt 10 Brussels 1000 Belgium
More Info
Wallonie Design is the reference Walloon organization that facilitates the use of design to bring about innovations and anticipate changes in society, for the benefit of all. We value design as a driver of sustainable and economic development. Our objective is to increase the use of design and its methods within Walloon companies.
Rue Paradis, 78 B-4000 Liège Belgique