“Changemakers”, new expo in the Parlamentarium

A new temporary exhibition ‘Changemakers: From committed art to democratic artivism’ opens in the Parlamentarium, on 14 November. The exhibition explores how young artists and activists engage in the defence of democracy through artivism and social networks. The expo will run until Febraury in the Parlamentarium and will the move to the Culture XL space on Rue Wiertz, Ixelles.

Visitors can discover a selection of works by important visual artists from the European Parliament’s Contemporary Art Collection, together with several proposals by young artivists who participated in Pop the vote! Culture on the Ballot, a project launched by Culture Action Europe and co-financed by the European Parliament in 2024. Art plays a vital role in defending democracy and free expression. Many contemporary artists, despite facing challenges, focus on exploring new ways of expression.

Have you ever wondered how art can confront social reality and positively change the present? How it can change our view on the present-day world and help us build a better future?

Creative voices for social change

Artivism seeks to influence both citizens and politicians on key social and political issues, using social media and urban environments to engage the public. Through visual, performative, and literary arts, artists address topics like freedom of speech, democracy, and migrant integration in Europe. They critically reflect on reality, offering new perspectives on societal issues.

The following artists and artivists will be part of the exhibition:

Selected artists from the EP Art Collection: Emilio Vedova, A.R. Penck, Burhan Doğançay, Pat Andrea, Georg Baselitz, Claus Carstensen, Adolf Frohner, Felix Droese, Jannis Kounellis, Yannis Pshychopedis, Paul Graham, Berit Heggenhougen-Jensen, Paolo Della Bella, Borjana Ventzislavova, Darío Villalba, Tiong Ang, Alex Flett, and Alice Kask.

Featured artivists: Leander Kampf & Sam Alekksandra (Citizens’ Garden Poetry Slam), Bozhana Slavkova, Elena Poljuha, Iliyana Grigorova, Ulysse Vassas, Fjorida Cenaj (Cultterra Team), Sara Banyai, Rosina Lui, Sofía Moreno, Bruno De Almeida, Rachel Rouzaud, Emilio Epstein And Georg Schuchlenz (Posse Studio), Ani Melikidze, Zsofi Kozma (Twofourtwo).

The exhibition Changemakers can be seen at the Parlamentarium in Brussels, from 14 November 2024 to 16 February 2025. You can book your access to the Parlamentarium here.

Parlamentarium in Brussels is the European Parliament’s visitors centre in the European Quarter, offering a chance to dive into the heart of European democracy. Dynamic and interactive by design, the centre offers free access and can be experienced in any of the European Union’s 24 official languages.

Info & photo source: Visit EP