Intern: Cultural Management Support - vzw Miauw / Bodies In Space

BIS - short for Bodies In Space - is a multidisciplinary cultural playground, located in an iconic building by Constantin Brodzki in the western edge of the Brussels Capital Region. A home for emerging and established artists to openly share grounds through experimentation and exchange. It’s a space to be loud, gentle, wild and caring. Encouraging creatives to play among each other while attending to their practices. BiS is a fertile soil for creation and growth, its spaces are shaped according to the different needs and stages of artistic production. Providing an answer to the huge lack of space for artists, performers and dancers BiS offers free residencies and affordable ateliers. We hold space for collective dialogues through participation in diverse in-house events, including exhibitions, screenings, concerts, club nights, and other forms of expression. BiS provides a platform for artists to showcase their creations, day and night, celebrating all art forms from the stage to the dance floor. Defying binary notions of what it means to be an art-space or a nightclub, BiS is both and neither one. Taking the form of a renewed, experimental (night) club, we fill the void of brussels nocturnal escapades. BIS is transformation, a building in constant movement. Bodies in space. BIS.

BiS is initiated by vzw MIAUW, the organization that, over the past two years, developed Mercerie in the city center of Brussels into a successful story, where it provided an alternative art space, free of use for emerging artists, in an amazing and inspiring building that was partially build by Victor Horta and brought back to live by vzw Miauw after 40Y of inoccupation.

Very soon it became clear that Mercerie fulfilled an enormous need toward artists, performers and creators of any kind. We proposed them to engage in a place where they can experiment, evolve, and perform. Mercerie was :

• A place where a common ground between the emerging and institutional art scenes was put in place;

• A place where upcoming artists worked closely with established artists;

• A place where important cultural events such as Art Brussels, Collectible Design, Kunstenfestivaldesarts, chose to be associated with Mercerie during their events.

From the opening (March 2023) until the end (July 2024), we can proudly say that Mercerie welcomed over 300 artists, showed 20 different exhibitions and showcased over 100 performances.

With BIS, we receive between 5 and 10 demands every day to use our space. Each use of the space goes together with a short time of residency where the different artists or performers are guided by the different members of the BIS team. They are followed closely on the way to their first moment of viewing. BIS gives technical, logistic, communication and production advice and accompanies the artists until the moment of their performance or exhibition.

Due to the overwhelming demands to use the space and the rapid growth of BiS, we must admit today that we are victims of our own success. Therefore we're looking for interns and volunteers to help us run this temporary art space.

vzw MIAUW is in BIS represented by an advisory board that consists of 3 professionals working in the field of contemporary art, dance, performance and nightlife events. The advisory board can always intervene and advice and be contacted for assistance by the emerging artists when needed.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in creating and implementing marketing strategies to enhance the cultural impact of BIS’ projects.

• Support in the development of partnerships, government funding and sponsorship opportunities.

• Contribute to the planning and execution of cultural events and initiatives.

• Act as a liaison during meetings with artists, facilitating communication, and ensuring a smooth collaboration process.

• Follow up on ongoing projects, providing support in project management, documentation, and progress tracking.

These responsibilities emphasize the need for the intern to play a key role in communication, project management, and funding aspects.

What can you expect?

• You will join an amazingly creative and diverse environment of dancers, performers and artists where every day is different.

• Flexible working hours, and work locations. Everyone does what suits them best.

• A part-time or full-time internship, depending on your preference.

• You will end up in a start-up environment where learning opportunities are endless.