Kanal-Centre Pompidou’s audience engagement strategy is gaining momentum as the Brussels art scene prepares for its 2026 opening. With a focus on making the museum accessible to all locals, the team is already navigating challenges that come with long-term planning and diverse community outreach. As of 2025-05-20 12:08:00, the institution is balancing art programming with the vital task of building connections with neighbourhood residents, expats, and tourists alike.
- Plan exhibitions two to three years ahead
- Expand audience engagement team from six to fifteen
- Target diverse audiences including locals and tourists
- Systematize partnerships with local community groups
- Rent spaces flexibly for workshops and activities
- Incorporate children's play observations into design
The museum’s audience engagement team currently operates with six staff members, far fewer than the ideal fifteen, highlighting the importance of dialogue over mere exhibition planning. How can Kanal effectively open its doors to those who might not typically visit? The answer lies in fostering local partnerships and rethinking the use of museum spaces beyond traditional exhibitions.
This raises questions about the role of art in community life and how cultural institutions can truly serve their neighbourhoods. What does it take to sustain long-term public interest in a dynamic, multicultural city like Brussels?
Engaging a broad and diverse public requires more than just curating art shows. Kanal’s approach involves:
- Systematising partnerships with local associations to reach various Brussels communities.
- Adapting museum spaces for workshops, casual activities, and social gatherings.
- Involving artists and architects in community-based projects, such as observing children’s interactions to inform creative spaces.
- Recognizing that effective public engagement is an ongoing, evolving process rather than a one-time effort.
Looking ahead, Kanal-Centre Pompidou’s success will depend on its ability to maintain meaningful dialogue with Brussels’ residents. Will this innovative approach inspire other museums across Belgium to rethink how they engage with their communities? Time will tell, but the groundwork is firmly in place.
