Fundraising Gala BelgianArtPrize

The gala was a special experience, a unique event in an imaginative setting created by artist Joris Van de Moortel (nominated for the BelgianArtPrize in 2011). On the programme: performances, a raffle of tickets donated by Belgian fashion, textile and other designers, and an auction of dream experiences, led by auctioneer Pauline Haon. Caterer JML treated us to a refined three-course menu, and an artist (former BelgianArtPrize winner or nominee) joined the company at each table.

Wednesday 25/03/2026
Private members club TheMerode
Poelaertplein 6, 1000 Brussels

Behind the scenes of S.M.A.K. with Philippe Van Cauteren

Step beyond the exhibition spaces into the hidden heart of one of Europe’s leading museums for contemporary art. This exceptional experience grants exclusive access to S.M.A.K., guided personally by Philippe Van Cauteren, General Director of the museum. In an intimate setting, guests are invited to discover the museum’s most discreet and rarely accessible spaces: the reserves, conservation and restoration laboratories, photo lab, and archives. Here, artworks are examined, preserved, and prepared—and the complex decisions shaping a museum collection quietly unfold.

Throughout the visit, Philippe Van Cauteren will share his vision of the institution and its collection, offering refined insight into the delicate balance between artistic freedom, heritage stewardship, and social responsibility that defines the museum today. This privileged encounter concludes with a relaxed conversation in the museum café—an elegant moment for reflection and exchange. A truly rare experience for those who seek not only to view art, but to understand its journey.

For a group of up to 12 guests

Lecture & dinner at studio Hans Op de Beeck

In 2001, Hans Op de Beeck became a laureate of the BelgianArtPrize, then known as “La Jeune Peinture Belge”. The accompanying exhibition at Bozar gave him his first opportunity to create a large-scale installation. Since then, Op de Beeck has shown his work extensively in prestigious solo and group exhibitions around the world. His latest exhibition in Belgium was the enchantingly beautiful Nocturnal Journey at KMSKA Antwerp (2025). His work reflects on our complex society and the universal questions of meaning and mortality that resonate within it.

The artist invites a select group of guests to a lecture and dinner at his studio in Brussels. After a lecture on his work in the studio’s cinema room, you will be able to visit the sculpture studio. The conversation continues over dinner in the studio’s reception area.

Dinner included.
For a group of up to 8 guests.

Food and art experience initiated by Nico Dockx

Chefs Faeiq Al-Mamoori (Baghdad, Iraq) and Sandip Patel (Gujarat, India) bring their own social, artistic and culinary stories in close collaboration with visual artist Nico Dockx. They continue their mission to integrate refugees and newcomers as chefs, creating an imaginary kitchen of personal dishes in which they exchange and blend their native culinary traditions—home flavours and memories—with one another. The result is an extraordinary experience in which food is more than nourishment: it inspires and connects.

Faeiq, Sandip and Nico propose to “migrate” into your home to create a once-in-a-lifetime food and art experience in close dialogue with you. The menu will be developed in relation to the surroundings. Half of the proceeds will go to the family of their Armenian friend chef, who suddenly passed away in early November 2025, and to the further development of their non-profit organisation.

Fine-dining 8-course menu with paired drinks,
including a personalised, unique menu edition for each guest.
For a group of up to 12 guests (can be expanded, subject to additional production costs).

Four-day retreat at Casa Viggiani

Casa Viggiani is an eco retreat located on the heavenly island of Santa Maria, in the heart of the La Maddalena Archipelago National Park, between Sardinia and Corsica. Home to just 14 houses and free of cars and shops, the island can only be reached by private boat. With its private beaches, Casa Viggiani is the perfect location for a relaxing or sporty holiday in a quiet environment with breathtaking views. The villa is self-sustaining, with its own filtered water system and solar panels. It has been newly refurbished, offering comfortable rooms and large terraces on different levels to enjoy stunning sunrises and sunsets.

During your four-day stay, the owners will host you. A live-in cook from La Maddalena will treat you to local Sardinian dishes and wines.

All inclusive, except for flights.
For a group of up to 6 guests

Guided visit & lunch at Beerlegem Wisteria Garden

Some twenty years ago, Philippine d’Ursel and Marc Libert of the Ghent Botanical Garden took the initiative to create a Wisteria garden on the estate of Beerlegem Castle. The garden is located in the former petit potager (small vegetable garden), measuring 3,000 square metres and surrounded by an 18th-century side building, garden walls, ponds, and a rich park with oaks and beech trees. More than 100 varieties of wisteria are displayed in a beautiful setting of buxus rooms, pergolas, walls, and lanes. You will find over 300 wisteria plants from Chinese, Japanese, and US origins, as well as new creations in different shapes and colours, ranging from white to deep blue and pink. With flower clusters reaching up to 80 cm, it is a truly unique garden. The Beerlegem Wisteria Garden has gained international recognition, welcoming visitors from across Europe, the US, China, and Japan.

Philippine and Hubert d’Ursel invite you to a guided visit of the garden led by Marc Libert, followed by a seated lunch in the garden.

Saturday 9 May, 11:30
For a group of up to 20 guests

Ariane Loze’s performance ‘The Banquet’

Since 2008, Belgian artist Ariane Loze has been developing videos that present a multiple and fluid vision of identity. Mastering all aspects of the production process, Loze acts as director, editor, camerawoman, and actress. Her short fictions are filmic essays on our society, its individualism and complexity, and the contradictions that inhabit us.

Collector Frédéric de Goldschmidt invites you to his exhibition space, Cloud Seven, to take part in The Banquet, a performance created by Ariane Loze. Seated around a set table, each guest plays one of the characters imagined by the artist. As a starter, each plate bears the words of that character. The guests-turned-actors engage in an unexpected game—entering the mind of another, leaving themselves for a few moments, and inhabiting the psychic space of someone else.

Duration of the performance: 30 min
In the presence of the artist.
For a group of 10 guests.

Three-part visit of the China House with Diane Hennebert

Built between 1903 and 1910 at the initiative of King Leopold II, the China House is an exceptional example of Orientalist architecture by Alexandre Marcel, reflecting the early 20th-century dialogue between East and West. Long abandoned, it is now set to undergo a major restoration.

Exceptionally guided by Diane Hennebert (known for the restorations of the Atomium and Villa Empain), you will discover the pavilion in three stages: in its current state, during the restoration, and in an exclusive preview once its splendour is restored. You will learn about the technical challenges of such a project, as well as the motivations for preserving such an unusual building while giving it a new purpose suited to present and future needs. A rare behind-the-scenes encounter with a mythical monument—an absolutely unique experience at a site until now closed to the public.

For a group of up to 12 guests.

Inside the Lhoist Art Collection: art, soul and senses

Established in 1990 by Jean-Pierre Berghmans, the Lhoist Art Collection embodies the ambition to place beauty at the heart of the company, its buildings, and its surroundings. With a curated selection of over 2,000 works by more than 400 artists, it offers employees and visitors an inspiring experience that stimulates creativity, opens new perspectives, and forges a unique collective identity.

You will enjoy a private tour of the collection, followed by an exclusive dinner created by renowned caterer Jean-Michel Loriers. It promises to be a special evening of avant-garde art, conviviality, and fine gastronomy.

For a group of up to 16 guests.

Joris Van de Moortel’s performance guitar

For 20 years now since his first appearance in the Belgian art scene, our artist of the evening, Joris Van de Moortel, has been building a multidisciplinary oeuvre, transcending boundaries and defying conventions. His work includes sculptures, paintings, films, tarot cards, music and performances, all characterised by an abundance of puzzles, puns, and art-historical references.

Tonight, Joris will take us on a small trip as part of his long and “dubious pilgrimage”, as he often calls it. A journey into his unique universe, blending sound and film in a signature cocktail for the BelgianArtPrize. At the end of the evening, you can take home an artefact from the performance as a tangible reminder of this exceptional experience: the guitar used during the performance.

Exclusive pre-preview of Art Brussels

Art Brussels (23-26 April) celebrates its 42nd edition this year. As one of Europe’s leading contemporary art events and a key moment in the international spring art calendar, Art Brussels welcomes around 25,000 visitors each year. This edition introduces a new focused format and the Horizons section: a scenographic journey built around six large-scale works selected by curator Devrim Bayar, alongside 138 galleries from 27 countries.

Experience Art Brussels as never before during an exclusive, intimate moment for you and your guests. This once-in-a-lifetime, not-for-sale experience gives you unique behind-the-scenes access: even before the official Preview opens, an established expert in contemporary art will guide you on a one-hour, tailor-made discovery tour of the event. You will walk through (almost) empty aisles, witness gallerists, partners and the organiser putting the final touches to their presentations, and discover carefully selected works through the eyes of a connoisseur. This extraordinary opportunity allows you to enjoy Art Brussels almost entirely to yourself, in a calm setting with plenty of space for questions, dialogue and deeper insight – perfect to share with friends or family. After the tour, you and your guests will be invited for drinks and lunch in the Art Brussels’ restaurant.

For a group of up to 6 guests.

Paris ‘midi à midi’ with Benedicte Goesaert & Atlas Reizen

Benedicte Goesaert is an independent curator and art advisor who enjoys traveling. During her eight-year engagement as a director at Zeno X Gallery (2011-2019), Benedicte collaborated closely with international artists, galleries, leading collections, and major museums.

Benedicte will take you on a noon-to-noon visit of Paris. Together, you will visit the magnificent Musée Gustave Moreau, as well as the Louvre, starting with Marlene Dumas’s work Liaisons (conceived for the Porte des Lions atrium). At the Louvre, you will be welcomed by Ludovic Laugier, National Heritage Curator in charge of Greek sculpture. He will introduce you to the Greek sculptures that inspired both Marlene Dumas and the emerging artist Zhang Yunyao. Afterwards, you will visit Zhang’s studio, and the artist will take you to one of his favorite restaurants in Paris. Also on the programme: a visit to La Solfatara, the Othoniel-Creten Foundation. Fun fact: Jean-Michel Othoniel designed the new entrance to the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre underground station. You also can expect a behind-the-scenes visit of one of Paris’s leading galleries or a private collection. You will spend the night in hotel Le Grand Mazarin or hotel Madame Rêve.

Programme subject to availability.
In April, June, July, November or December 2026.
Including 1 overnight stay (2 hotel rooms).
Not included: lunch and dinner; transport to and within Paris.
For a group of up to 4 guests.

Atelier185 – Brut de Forge knife and fork set

For those who want the exceptional—whether in the kitchen, at the dining table, or as collectors of unique objects—Atelier185 by Clem Vanhee opens the door to a world of uncompromising craftsmanship. Each creation, from kitchen and table knives to hunting blades and decorative swords, reflects a refined balance between precision and artistry. Hand-forged from the finest materials, including Damascus carbon steel, every piece tells a story of remarkable sharpness and perfect balance. Experience the seamless union of form and function that transforms your everyday tasks into extraordinary experiences. More than just a maker of knives, it is a journey into the realm of masterful craftsmanship, where every object is a true work of art.

Atelier185 donates a Brut de Forge knife and fork set in a leather case.

atelier185.be

BRAFA – two Early Premium Access tickets

BRAFA is one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious art fairs, celebrated for its excellence, refined eclecticism, and its fascinating dialogue between ancient, modern and contemporary art. Each year, it offers Brussels an outstanding international showcase of museum-quality works presented by leading galleries from around the world.

In support of the BelgianArtPrize, BRAFA is delighted to offer two Early Premium Access tickets, granting the winner and their guest the rare privilege of discovering the 2027 edition of the fair before anyone else, three days ahead of the official opening. This exclusive afternoon, held on Thursday 21 January 2027 from 2pm to 6pm, with a selection of fine bites and champagne served throughout, offers an intimate and privileged first encounter with the fair in an atmosphere of elegance and anticipation.

brafa.art

Christian Wijnants – short jacket

Christian Wijnants launched his eponymous brand in Antwerp in 2003. Inspired by the city’s rich cultural heritage, the womenswear label is known for its innovative knitwear, striking prints, and rich colour palette. The collections evoke a sense of ease, freedom, and fluidity. Versatility is built into the design process.

Christian Wijnants donates a jacket in size 38. Structured and sculptural, this short jacket is crafted from double-face wool for a substantial silhouette. The cut is relaxed through the body, with wide, flared sleeves and a high stand collar that can be worn up or folded down. Finished with a concealed button front and precise panel detailing at the shoulders, it balances volume with a strong sense of proportion.

christianwijnants.com

Ciao at TheMerode – dinner for four

Welcome to Italy at Brussels’ private members’ club, TheMerode. At Ciao, genuine fine Italian cuisine is served in a warm, refined yet relaxed atmosphere. At the crossroads of an osteria and contemporary bistronomy, Ciao embodies a vision of more uninhibited gastronomy—both demanding and accessible, simple and comforting. For its chef, Leonardo Iacometti, originally from Tuscany, taste is the most important element of his cuisine. His cooking is centred on ingredients: authentic, fresh, seasonal, and full of flavour. Above all, Iacometti is focused on delivering the most refined and delicious gastronomic experience his cooking can provide.

TheMerode is pleased to donate a gift voucher for four people, including a four-course menu at Ciao restaurant with two bottles of wine selected by our sommelier, as well as water, coffee, and tea. The experience also includes an exclusive guided tour of the club and its exhibitions prior to the dinner.

ciao-brussels.com

Dries Van Noten – coat collab with Christian Lacroix

Founded in 1986, this Belgian fashion house has achieved worldwide acclaim for its unique approach to design and craftsmanship. Dries Van Noten’s designs are often compared to works of art. The fabrics serve as a canvas, on which bold patterns, textures and colours come together to create a visually stunning whole. The result is a harmonious blend of modernity and timeless beauty. Van Noten’s collections bring together various influences to create a unique aesthetic.

Dries Van Noten donates a coat (size medium) created in collaboration with Christian Lacroix. This coat was part of look 32 of the spring-summer collection 2020. A true signature piece, it appeared in the May 2020 issue of Vogue US.

driesvannoten.com

Enamoure – Kai Mini Lambio handbag

Enamoure is a Belgian leather goods label founded in 2021 by Estelle Hanet-de Merode. The name Enamoure comes from the old French verb enamourer, meaning “to inspire with love” or “to charm.” Inspired by the captivating lines and silhouettes of the past, Enamoure revives retro shapes with an exquisite modern twist. Every piece evokes a sense of nostalgia while seamlessly integrating into the contemporary fashion landscape.

Enamoure donates a Kai Mini Lambio in silver lamb leather with a soft, luminous finish.

enamoure.shop

Gerondal – snowboard bench

After studying in the advertising world, Pierre Gerondal became a designer and prototyper in composite materials for the construction of luxury yachts. Over the course of various projects, he rediscovered the beauty and qualities of wood. His endless curiosity then pushed him to experiment with another element that fascinates him: snow—and therefore skis. Everything at Gerondal is produced in Malmedy. They work with one of the sawyers in the region. Each year, they cut the wood they will use three to five years later and let it dry in the open air. Each cut trunk is used almost entirely, either for skis or for carpentry. Together with Justine, Pierre’s partner from the world of interior architecture and graphic design, they created a unique workshop to bring together their two worlds and join forces. At Gerondal, nothing is thrown away; everything is transformed with know-how, respect, elegance, and generosity.

Gerondal donates a snowboard bench made exclusively for the BelgianArtPrize in their signature style.

gerondal.com

GOFLUO – unique collab with Jordy Arthur

GOFLUO is a small Belgian start-up founded by Julie Vets. As a young mother with a background in fashion, Julie couldn’t stand seeing people wear unattractive yellow safety vests while dropping off their kids at school. Convinced that high-visibility wear could be both functional and stylish, she started sketching the first GOFLUO designs in 2016. Two years later, she launched her first collection of fashionable safety vests, which she called “bodyglowers.” Later collections expanded into designs made for outdoor activities.

GOFLUO donates a unique reflective “ruffle bag”, created in collaboration with Jordy Arthur—an up-and-coming Belgian fashion designer and content creator.

gofluo.com

Lies Mertens & Jonas Van Put – Ensis II limited edition bag

Ensis II is the result of a collaboration between Belgian designers Lies Mertens and Jonas Van Put, combining the precision of leatherworking with the sculptural approach of furniture design. Both share a fascination with materials, tactility, and the balance between form and function. The collaboration felt natural: an encounter between two disciplines that reinforce each other.

The handle by Van Put is made from Afromosia wood, reclaimed from a residential project. Its distinctive shape is inspired by the long, slender form of a razor clam, also known as Ensis, which he often encounters during walks along the northern French coastline. The bag is constructed by joining two leather halves that—like the two parts of a shell—form a whole. The wooden element subtly pulls the ends together, creating an elegant fold in the leather.

Ensis II is part of an ongoing research project by Lies Mertens, focusing on nature, organic processes, and the soft-edged, irregular forms of shells. Based on this research trajectory, the Shell Collection was born in 2025—a collection in which volume is created through folds and patterns, distinct from a more traditional approach to bag or leather design.

Lies Mertens & Jonas Van Put donate an Ensis II limited edition (10ed + 2ap) bag, created especially in honour of the BelgianArtPrize. Each bag is numbered and has “BelgianArtPrize 2026” laser-engraved on the inside. It is made from black Crispy Calf, a rare and exclusive leather, achieved by shrinking the hide to create a structured effect and a matte finish.

liesmertens.be

LunaLotta – Annaïs jewellery set

As a goldsmith, Lieselot Geeregat creates timeless jewellery that is more than jewellery: it is a memory, a story, a piece of you. For her, everything is about connection. Inspired by nature and guided by a deep love for art and storytelling, Lieselot crafts jewellery that is deeply personal. She is not only a goldsmith or jewellery designer, but also a “giver”: someone who makes emotions tangible in the form of jewellery. LunaLotta strives to design timeless jewellery that is also sustainable and ethical.

LunaLotta donates a jewellery set consisting of a gold-plated necklace and matching earrings from the Annaïs collection. The Annaïs collection is cheerful and distinctly feminine. Its perpetual flowers give each piece a playful look and emphasise your feminine side—pure and graceful.

lunalotta.be

Maison Fabienne Delvigne – Sophia bell hat

Founded in 1987, Maison Fabienne Delvigne is a Belgian luxury house dedicated to the creation of haute couture hats (amongst other things). Beyond its artisanal expertise, it is distinguished by its deeply artistic approach. Delvigne shapes volumes and sculpts forms with almost architectural precision to achieve perfect equilibrium. Colours are designed to interact with light and enhance the face. The hat thus becomes a true statement piece, at the crossroads of fashion and art. The Maison has earned the title of Official Supplier to the Court of Belgium, as well as the trust of the Royal Courts of the Netherlands, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and Sweden, and regularly collaborates with haute couture houses such as Giorgio Armani, Chanel, Dior, and Natan.

Maison Fabienne Delvigne donates a Sophia bell hat. Crafted in luxurious angora, it offers warmth, exceptional softness and timeless elegance.

fabiennedelvigne.be

Marylène Madou – limited edition printed scarf

Marylène Madou’s work oscillates between textile design, fashion, and illustrative art. She always starts with hand-drawn textile motifs, which then evolve into experiments that focus on combining materials and digital technology. Nature is an essential source of inspiration in Madou’s work: changing light, the seasons, and the silence of the natural environment around both her studio and private home seep into her visual language and give her work a narrative atmosphere. Marylène is often inspired by the occult, tarot cards, and medieval depictions of the sun. She is an avid collector of old picture books, a passion that is fully reflected in her work.

Marylène Madou donates a limited edition (1ed + 1ap) printed linen-cotton scarf. The artist’s proof can be found in her archive, an old farmhouse in Bokrijk, where art, landscape, and heritage come together in a natural way.

marylenemadou.com

Mercatorfonds – set of 6 art books

Mercatorfonds is a publisher of art books, museum catalogues, and illustrated books. Its titles range from archaeology to ancient and modern art, tribal and contemporary art, architecture, cultural history, and photography. Mercatorfonds is the publishing partner of museums throughout the world, including The National Gallery (London), the Royal Academy (London), The Metropolitan Museum of Art (New York), Musée Jacquemart-André (Paris), BOZAR (Brussels), the Royal Museum of Fine Arts (Brussels), WIELS (Brussels), and Palais de Tokyo (Paris). As a contemporary publishing house, Mercatorfonds also presents monographs on artists who are shaping tomorrow’s artistic landscape.

Mercatorfonds donates a set of 6 art books: ‘Conceptual Art and Other Essays by Art & Language’, ‘A Certain Amount Of Clarity’ by Emmanuel Van der Auwera, ‘Khorós’ by Berlinde De Bruyckere, ‘Carla Arocha and Stéphane Schraenen: Monograph as Project’, ‘Digging Up The Future’ by Maarten Vanden Eynde and ‘Sophie Whettnall (At) Work’.

mercatorfonds.be

Ruinart – private dining

Established in 1729, Maison Ruinart is the oldest Champagne House. Its unique expertise is the result of a long family tradition marked by a pioneering spirit.

Maison Ruinart donates an immersive experience at Ruinart in Reims. Your visit begins with a tour of the chalk cellars, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where Ruinart champagnes are produced. It continues in one of the private dining rooms, where you will enjoy a five-course menu paired with the iconic cuvées of Maison Ruinart. At the end of your lunch, you will discover the new Nicolas Ruinart Pavilion, designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, with its secret cellar reserved for initiates and its sculpture garden. During a stroll through the wooded park, you can also learn more about Maison Ruinart’s commitment to preserving biodiversity.

ruinart.com

SCHAAP Tailors – raglan coat collab with Harris Tweed

SCHAAP Tailors was founded in 2018 by Koen Van Weverberg and Ruben Opheide, driven by a shared passion and years of experience in high-end tailoring for men. What began as a personal approach grew organically into a quality label where craftsmanship, creativity and authenticity are central. From perfectly cut suits, shirts and overcoats to refined casual pieces such as denim, knitwear and safari jackets: SCHAAP moves effortlessly between classic and modern. They consciously choose to operate on a small scale, with intensive guidance and exceptional service, from their private showrooms in Ghent and Antwerp. This same philosophy is reflected in personal projects, such as their unique collaboration with Harris Tweed. Especially for them, an undyed, completely natural wool was reproduced from the Harris Tweed archives —a rarity within their colourful heritage.

SCHAAP Tailors donates an iconic raglan coat made from the wool of their Harris Tweed collaboration.

schaaptailors.be

Souâd Feriani – gift voucher and brooch

Souâd Feriani is a Belgian designer who graduated from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where the foundations of her signature style were shaped. Eleven years ago, she launched The Perfect Shirt, a refined design created to offer women impeccable fit and grace. What started as one iconic piece has since grown into a fully-fledged premium fashion house. The collections are defined by the highest quality and timeless femininity, with garments designed to be perfectly combinable over the years. Working mainly with Italian fabrics and production partners, Souâd Feriani stands for craftsmanship and longevity. Today, the brand is available through its own boutiques in Antwerp, Hasselt, and Knokke, with plans to gradually expand across the country—and beyond—in the years to come.

Souâd Feriani donates a gift voucher worth €400 and a brooch.

souadferiani.com

Zaventem Ateliers – Blend stool

Zaventem Ateliers is a creative hive of 32 workshops, where each creator expresses the extraordinary, the unique, and the challenging through their craft. This place brings together talents and amplifies collective energy.

Zaventem Ateliers donates a Blend stool, made up of thousands of waste fragments—production residues from all the workshops at Zaventem Ateliers. The scraps from each workshop are meticulously crushed, mixed, and bound together. This process creates, not in form but in composition, a hazardous and entirely unique stool. The piece brings together extraordinary fragments from all workshops: leather, brass, glass, ceramics, resin, foam, glitter, wood, and more. Each workshop carefully preserves its waste, which is then shredded with the help of the RENEWI company.

zaventemateliers.com

ZOWEE – photoshoot with framily

Zoë Janssen is the photographer behind ZOWEE. Her work centres on honest connections, quiet intensity, and people being fully themselves. She photographs in an intuitive and relaxed way, allowing personalities to shine without stiff poses or forced smiles.

ZOWEE donates a photoshoot, a one-hour laid-back session with your favourite people – whether that’s your partner, family, children, parents, or close friends. The shoot takes place at a location of your choice, at home or outdoors, and is shaped around shared moments and simple pleasures. Expect an easygoing experience and timeless images to cherish.

zoweephoto.be