Even those who have never set foot in deSingel will know the iconic building with the potato-shaped windows on the Desguinlei. On November 4, 1980, a brand new conservatory building by architect Léon Stynen opened on the Wezenberg in Antwerp. In addition to classrooms for students, there were also two halls. Frie Leysen, who was initially appointed to rent out the seed for the current arts centre. Jerry Aerts has been the face of deSingel since 1991, until 2020. Over that period of 40 years, Jasper Croonen brought with deSingel 1980-2020 an overview work now. In five chapters, we look at how deSingel grew into an international arts center, the largest in the country. Numerous photos depict milestones, such as the opening of the new wood-clad new building by Stéphane Beel in 2010. Posters recall the formula of De Nachten of the location festival Boulevard of Broken Dreams, much appreciated by young people.

hip hop festival

So not a big payment in 2020, but a new director. Hendrik Storme is already announcing a new hip-hop festival for the 2022-2023 season: “In this way, deSingel wants to continue to broaden its range. After the success of the first edition, we are pulling the festival Dear Antwerp back into town in early September. From 2023, our corridors will be able to be transformed so that they can act as an artistic space.” For the 2024-2025 season, deSingel dreams of having its own café. “That would border on the inner garden, which would also become more accessible to a wider audience.”

deSingel 1980-2020, Jasper Croonen, Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, 268p