Brussels, Belgium – November 26, 2025 — A new chapter in Brussels’ creative landscape is set to begin as Saint-Gilles prepares to introduce an innovative digital platform designed to connect local artists with businesses across the southern districts of the city. The initiative, which goes live on November 30, aims to strengthen collaboration, drive economic opportunity, and highlight the region’s vibrant cultural sector.
The platform, developed in partnership with local creative collectives and business associations, is tailored to meet the needs of both emerging and established artists seeking new avenues for exposure, as well as enterprises eager to infuse their spaces and projects with authentic local artistry. By providing a centralised online space, the project aspires to make creative partnerships more accessible, transparent, and mutually beneficial.
At the heart of the initiative is a user-friendly interface where artists can showcase their portfolios, list their skills, and specify the types of collaborations they are seeking. Businesses, ranging from cafes and boutiques to larger corporations and event organisers, will be able to browse artist profiles, post project opportunities, and initiate direct contact for commissions, exhibitions, or creative workshops.
Saint-Gilles Mayor Catherine Morin, speaking ahead of the launch, emphasised the platform’s role in nurturing the local creative economy. “Saint-Gilles has always been a magnet for artistic talent, but many creators struggle to find the right partners to bring their visions to life. This platform bridges that gap, making it easier for artists and businesses to find each other and work together on projects that enrich our community,” she said.
The project has been shaped by months of consultation with local artists, cultural organisations, and business owners. Among the contributors is the Saint-Gilles Artists’ Collective, whose members provided feedback on platform features and accessibility. “We wanted to ensure the platform reflects the diversity of artistic practices in the area, from visual arts and music to digital media and performance,” explained collective spokesperson Sofia Lemaire. “It’s not just about finding work—it’s about building lasting relationships and fostering a sense of creative community.”
The digital hub also integrates resources for artists, including legal and business advice, training opportunities, and information on funding. These features build on existing support structures in Brussels, such as the ILES Artist Project and Creative District, which offer coaching, legal consultations, and networking events for creative professionals. By bringing these resources into a single digital space, the platform aims to streamline access and encourage more artists to pursue professional opportunities.
Local businesses have expressed enthusiasm for the new tool, seeing it as a way to differentiate their offerings and contribute to the cultural vitality of Saint-Gilles. “We’re always looking for ways to make our café stand out, and collaborating with local artists for exhibitions or live performances is a win-win,” said Luc De Smet, owner of a popular coffeehouse on Avenue du Parc. “The platform makes it much easier to discover new talent and organise events that draw people in.”
In addition to facilitating one-on-one collaborations, the platform will feature a calendar of upcoming cultural events, exhibitions, and open calls, helping to promote the dynamic arts scene in southern Brussels. Organisers hope this will encourage greater public engagement and support for local creatives.
The project aligns with broader efforts in Brussels to champion the creative and cultural industries, which are recognised as a major driver of employment and innovation in the region. Recent years have seen a surge in initiatives supporting creative entrepreneurship, from incubators and coworking spaces to festivals and public art programmes. The new Saint-Gilles platform is expected to complement these efforts by focusing on practical, day-to-day connections between artists and businesses.
Looking ahead, the team behind the platform plans to expand its reach by partnering with neighbouring communes and integrating additional features based on user feedback. Plans are already underway for a series of workshops and networking events in early 2026, designed to familiarise users with the platform and spark new collaborations.
For many in Saint-Gilles, the digital hub represents more than just a technological upgrade—it is a testament to the power of creativity to bring people together and shape the identity of a neighbourhood. As the platform prepares to open its virtual doors, anticipation is building for the fresh ideas, partnerships, and cultural experiences it is poised to inspire across southern Brussels.
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Image Credit: Photo by markuswinkler on Unsplash
