VUB organised the open-air festival in the green heart of the city in the context of weKONEKT.brussels, alongside the VGC, Erasmushogeschool Brussel, deMens.nu and Kultuurkaffee. The yearly event to toast the start of the year was blessed with an impressive musical programme this year, curated by Kultuurkaffee and including three typically Brussels acts.
Festive bites
A festive opening would be nothing without some festive food. This was served by the students of CVO COOVI, an adult education centre that offers top-notch education to target groups such as the disadvantaged, foreign nationals and professionals who want to improve their skills. The guests could taste the results in the cosy atmosphere created by the food stands. Drinks were taken care of by Atelier Groot Eiland, where those living in Brussels who have difficulty finding a job are likewise being supported. Ethical food collective Eva was there to offer the party people human-, animal- and environmentally friendly food.
Students Varenka and Simon came to enjoy the atmosphere and check out the concerts in the park. The Beauty of Science, the central theme of the academic opening, was still resonating around the bandstand in the Warandepark. “I link the beauty of science with progress,” says Simon. “To plug away at something, to keep going no matter how difficult it seems.”
The beauty of celebrating
The idea of serendipity, discovering something that you were not necessarily looking for, was in the air too. “The search for the beauty of science,” according to other visitors, “lies in the unpredictable.” Zwangere Guy, who has gained a strong live reputation in recent years, would probably agree. Throughout his set, he encouraged students and everyone who has ever been a student to keep going. His advice: “Study or get a job, but follow your passion.” This ode to what surrounds you, and to going for something with your heart and soul, was his addition to the opening speech by rector Caroline Pauwels.
The social value of science
The crew of student magazine de Moeial joined the exceptional opening event too. The rector’s speech appealed to members Ange-Vanessa Nsanzineza, Jan Meus and Eline Ingelbrecht. In particular, the undertone of broadening your horizons and the social values of science spoke to them as humanities students. Lieselotte and her friends decided to have a little dance at Warandepark after work. As a teacher in Brussels, she placed the beauty of science in the transfer of knowledge.
Relive the Apérowarande with these pictures and the aftermovie:
