Study Trip of MBA in Performing Arts & Entertainment Management Students to Brussels
Our MBA Performing Arts & Entertainment Management students were recently in Brussels for a study trip, led by professors Alexander Ovechkin and Fabrice Bonniot.
Brussels is home to many international organizations, including the institutions of the European Union. This trip gave students a unique opportunity to understand how cultural policies are shaped at the international level and how they affect the arts and creative industries worldwide.
The trip began with a meeting at Creative Europe with Sylvain Pasqua, team leader for cultural and creative industries at the European Commission.
Since 2014, Creative Europe has supported projects promoting cultural diversity and aims to promote artistic expression by stimulating the economic potential of the creative industries. This exchange gave students an overview of innovative artistic expression and the redefinition of artistic creation, while also allowing them to network with influential figures in the European cultural sector. These connections pave the way for future collaborations, work-study placements, internships, and job opportunities.
While exploring the very dynamic art scene, our students had the privilege of meeting the management of the Ancienne Belgique (AB Concerts), including general manager Tom Bonte, artistic director Kurt Overbergh, and production director Kristof Van Dijck. Known for presenting emerging artists with a strong reputation, AB Concerts gave the students an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour and let them attend the concert Peter Broderick & Ensemble 0: “Give it to the Sky” by Arthur Russell.
This trip also included a visit to the dance company ULTIMAVEZ, where students met Gilles Noël, head of participation. They enjoyed a guided tour of ARGOS and a meeting with events coordinator Matilde Silva Fry.
The trip continued with a visit to La Monnaie and a visit to the dance school PARTS (Rosas), where they met program coordinator Steven De Belder. It ended with a meeting with performing arts head Guy Gypens at KANAL – Centre Pompidou.
This trip to Brussels was a blend of teaching and sources of inspiration, fostering the learning and knowledge of our students in the MBA in Performing Arts & Entertainment Management program.