Opening Brussels City of Letters
There are over 1 million people living in Brussels. Most of them do not know each other, but they all have a story to tell. During the Brussels City of Letters project, 100 Brussels residents were matched up in pairs and got to know each other through a series of letters. The exchanges turned these strangers into pen pals. Discover their letters and stories on May 15 at the opening event at Muntpunt, with performances by some of the participating authors. The event will also inaugurate posters with the letter excerpts that can also be seen in the streets of Brussels for a whole month.
About the project
Over the past few months, 100 residents of Brussels wrote to someone they did not know yet. Gradually, they got to know each other, which resulted in a fascinating exchange of stories, perspectives and even friendships. The pen pal pairs were made up of diverse participants: high school students, refugees, hobby writers, individuals with mental disabilities and professional authors. Through writing workshops, they were motivated to take part in the project. The letter exchange took place in Dutch, French, and English.
Opening and poster campaign
On Wednesday, May 15 at 5pm, the participating pen pals are meeting in real life at the official project opening at Muntpunt, snacks and drinks are included. Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Several authors and participants will read excerpts from their letters, which will be exhibited for a month at Muntpunt and displayed on posters all over the city.
About Brussels City of Stories
Brussels City of Stories is a collaboration between Muntpunt, Passa Porta and Le 140 with the purpose of sharing stories about and between the inhabitants of Brussels. The third edition focuses on letter exchange and is called ‘Brussels City of Letters. The project would not be possible without the organisations Brussels Ouderenplatform, Brussels Writers' Circle, Cinemaximiliaan, Het Schrijfgezelschap, IHP Beeckman, Imeldainstituut, Le Piment, Maria-Boodschaplyceum, MRS La Cerisaie PSC Sint Alexius, SAAT La Ramée, Service Laïque d'Aide aux Justiciables et aux Victimes, and authors Eléonore de Duve, Arno Boey, Thomas Lavachery, Haleh Chinikar, Inès Eshun, Aïko Solovkine and Nele Van den Broeck. More on www.cityofstories.brussels
Org. Passa Porta, Muntpunt, Le 140, Cinemaximiliaan
illustration © Laura Simonati
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