The artistic center MedexMuseum has settled in a former car wash in the Matongé district, giving a voice to asylum seekers and local residents. Who are the driving forces behind it, and what are their goals?

The driving forces behind MedexMuseum, Daniele and Rebecca, have radically different backgrounds but both have a connection to the central asylum theme. Artistic coordinator Daniele is a former bike courier who gave up cycling when he felt his job was becoming increasingly exploitative. Rebecca, on the other hand, has a background in diplomacy and conflict resolution, and as a volunteer, she handles administration, communication, and the organization and coordination of exhibitions.

Both also contribute artistically to MedexMuseum. Daniele participates in traveling exhibitions and recently completed a residency. He works with various media, including linocut, drawing, digital, animation, illustration, and embroidery. Rebecca focuses on textiles, often collaborating with other artists in various exhibitions.

A Ryanair Ticket and a Bag Full of Mixed Feelings

Daniele has been living in Belgium for 15 years. He had to leave his native region in southern Italy with a heavy heart due to the difficult political climate and the mafia, which hindered his artistic, social, and cultural activities. With a Ryanair ticket in his pocket and a heavy heart, he arrived in Belgium. Rebecca, originally from France, could not settle in her conservative and bourgeois birthplace. For her master’s degree, she ended up in Belgium, where she met people from all walks of life, often from places where freedom of speech was not an option. Initially, she worked for European institutions, but dissatisfied with the strict hierarchy and lack of room for change, she became increasingly involved with MedexMuseum. Although she can consider herself privileged as a European citizen, her personal experiences have led to empathy and understanding for the desire to escape and not return.

Nomad at Heart

MedexMuseum first took shape in 2014 and, like its target audience, led a nomadic existence in its early years. Its eventual establishment in a former car wash in the Matongé district was more a fortunate coincidence than a deliberate choice. MedexMuseum does not receive external subsidies, leaving little room to set demands for the location. Daniele sees a parallel with many immigrants who end up in Brussels due to circumstances and make the best of the situation.

Zinneke Parade

The Matongé district was already rich in cultural activities with several theaters and cinemas, but according to the duo, there was no place to discuss these theater pieces and films together. MedexMuseum fills this gap, both literally and figuratively, as the chronic vacancy in the area had led to decay, litter, public urination, drug use, and other nuisances. The center quickly became a meeting place for local residents.

In the past few months, Daniele and Rebecca have further involved the neighborhood in their activities through workshops for the Zinneke parade. This parade took place on June 1, and various workshops were organized in collaboration with cultural partners, but especially with local residents. The aim of these workshops was to create a float, costumes, and accompanying music.

On June 1, we were able to admire the result, and many enjoyed the parade and the creations. Thank you to everyone who contributed and came by!