iMAL

30 Quai des Charbonnages
Koolmijnenkaai, 1080 Brussels
Art Center for Digital Cultures & Technology
News

Official inauguration


Today iMAL officially inaugurated its new infrastructure in the presence of the Minister-President of the Brussels-Capital Region Rudi Vervoort, the Mayor of Molenbeek Catherine Moureaux, Samuël Maenhout from the European Commission Representation in Belgium, and iMAL director Lucia Garcia.

The inauguration ends a period of major renovation and extension works that started in 2016 thanks to the support of the European Regional Development Fund 2014-2020 (ERDF).

Designed by architects Central Office and NP2F, the centre now benefits from increased street-side visibility, and a doubled surface area with numerous new spaces to host its ambitious artistic programme.

CASTII (Centre for Arts, Science, Technology, Innovation and Inclusion) is a project led by iMAL that was developed within the framework of the Brussels-Capital Region's ERDF operational programme. Nearly 2.8 million euros have been invested in CASTII, 50% of which is covered by the European authorities and 50% by the Region, with the aim of strengthening the cultural infrastructure offer in the Canal area, as well as social cohesion.

Two other partners are also involved in the project: the Move ASBL (formerly LES ASBL), and the municipality of Molenbeek-Saint-Jean (MCCS).

By allowing iMAL to renovate and expand its building, the CASTII project aimed to consolidate our position as a centre with a local, regional and international dimension dedicated to contemporary arts based on the use of technology.

CASTII also aimed to strengthen social cohesion in the Canal area: a fablab open to all, dedicated to the creation and development of circular and social economy projects, has been set up at IMAL, with the organisation of activities (workshops, digital training) for the audiences of the LES ASBL and for the populations of the Canal area.

The development of a permanent fablab (Fablab’ke) at the MCSS for local associations, teachers and students has also been set up as part of the project.

Credits

Photos: William Vanderborght, Yannick Antoine