{"id":14157,"date":"2024-11-15T15:30:56","date_gmt":"2024-11-15T14:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/svjmedia.nl\/internationaljournalism\/?p=14157"},"modified":"2025-01-10T10:51:17","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T09:51:17","slug":"molenbeek-for-brussels-from-hellhole-towards-european-capital-of-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/svjmedia.nl\/internationaljournalism\/14157\/molenbeek-for-brussels-from-hellhole-towards-european-capital-of-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Molenbeek for Brussels: How a Belgium \u2018hellhole\u2019 wants to become European Capital of Culture"},"content":{"rendered":"

On October 24th, Belgium revealed its three finalists for the European Capital of Culture 2030: Leuven, Namur and Sint-Jans-Molenbeek. An independent panel of experts selected the three bids, which are now seeking to become Belgium\u2019s representative. Only one of the three candidates can hold the title for European Capital Culture \u2013 among Molenbeek, known as the most controversial municipality.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since the terrorist attacks in 2016, Molenbeek has suffered from a negative reputation. In the post-attack period, Trump referred to Belgium as a <\/span>“Hellhole”, <\/span>a characterization that was later shifted by both Belgians and politicians to Molenbeek. This shift occurred, because several of the perpetrators were linked to Molenbeek, which led to the neighborhood being blamed for the actions of a few individuals. As a result, the municipality faced criticism for failing to represent the country’s identity.<\/span><\/p>\n\n

First<\/b> steps towards change\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n

The municipality is not only perceived negatively by the public, but it is also a relatively young district that has experienced significant population growth, socio-economic challenges, and a particularly high rate of youth unemployment. According to the statistics, youth unemployment stands at approximately 40% which is notably higher than the Brussels average of 20%. This has brought a great pressure on the local community, with many people feeling disconnected and without opportunities. The district also faces problems such as housing shortages, inadequate public services and lower levels of education, which further deepen the socio-economic divide.<\/span><\/p>\n

The idea of the nomination is to rethink the district’s identity, focus on getting young people involved and meet the needs of residents in a way that raises local voices. Therefore, the team of Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 tries to create cultural experiences that attract both locals and visitors, encouraging genuine cultural exchange. <\/span>As Rebecca <\/span>Wyn Bernage, a staff member of the Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 team, explains, \u201cWe invited Ultima Vez, an international dynamic house for contemporary dance, to perform in Molenbeek on the communal square. That is an example of how we try to make <\/span>culture more accessible to everyone \u2013 working together with locals as much as possible.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Molenbeek’s journey of becoming the European Capital of Culture 2030 highlights both ambition and transformation. R<\/span>ebecca, while giving a realistic note to the nomination of Molenbeek for Brussels, states, “You can’t work for Molenbeek 2030 without truly believing in it.”<\/span><\/p>\n[aesop_gallery id=”14205″ revealfx=”off” overlay_revealfx=”off”]\n

Can controversy become an opportunity?<\/b><\/h3>\n

\u201cI think it’s time to counteract this negative image a little bit and to foreground the beauty that Molenbeek itself has to offer, being a very diverse municipality, very close to the touristic heart of Brussels.\u201d – says Eva De Smedt, a Brussels-based researcher and lecturer in culture and tourism (IDEA Consult and Erasmus Brussels University of Applied Sciences and Arts), who engaged her students in the Molenbeek for Brussels 2030 candidacy.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, it is not only about rebuilding the image of Molenbeek but also about opening the municipality for tourists showing them that diversity can contribute to its culture. Walking through the streets of Molenbeek, one can observe a mix of shops, including small family owned shops, local cafes and stalls selling products from all over the world. The streets are filled with life, with people of all backgrounds, from families to young professionals, shopping, talking and carrying on with their daily lives. You will see mosques, churches and community centres that reflect the multicultural character of the area.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\t\t