I run Fade Radio, a radio program based at Romantso Hub in Athens. Recently, I had the opportunity to visit La Vallée in Brussels for a four-day professional exchange. The experience provided invaluable insights into how creative hubs foster collaboration and engage with the artistic community. This report captures my journey, interactions, and key takeaways from my time at La Vallée.
Located in the heart of Molenbeek, La Vallée is a dynamic creative hub that has repurposed a former industrial site into a thriving space for artists, designers, musicians, and cultural entrepreneurs. With over 6,000 square meters of studios, coworking areas, and event spaces, it not only provides workspaces but also functions as a cultural incubator. The hub frequently hosts exhibitions, markets, performances, and workshops, creating an environment where artistic expression and public engagement go hand in hand.
The main objective of my exchange was to explore how La Vallée operates, connect with its resident creatives, and understand the role of radio and audio storytelling within such a space. During my visit, I participated in various activities, including studio visits, artist interactions, and cultural events. I engaged with resident artists, designers, and musicians to learn about their work, the challenges they face, and the opportunities that arise from being part of La Vallée’s ecosystem. Attending live performances and exhibitions allowed me to witness firsthand how interdisciplinary collaboration is at the core of the hub’s philosophy. Additionally, networking with cultural entrepreneurs and other radio professionals helped me explore ways in which audio can be integrated into creative hubs to enhance storytelling and community engagement.
One of the most striking aspects of La Vallée was its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The space thrives on the exchange of ideas across different artistic fields, which contributes to its dynamic and ever-evolving creative environment. Another key takeaway was the hub’s strong focus on public engagement. By merging workspace with public events, La Vallée fosters a deep connection between its artists and the wider community—a model that could inspire new approaches for Fade Radio’s outreach and programming. While visual arts and design are prominent within the hub, I noticed a growing potential for audio storytelling, podcasting, and radio to play a more significant role in the creative landscape. Discussions with local artists and cultural figures opened doors for possible collaborations, including featuring Brussels-based artists on Fade Radio or organizing a joint event between La Vallée and Romantso.
The exchange has left a lasting impact on my perspective and future plans. As a result of this experience, I intend to create a special Fade Radio episode dedicated to La Vallée, featuring interviews, soundscapes, and insights from my time in Brussels. I also see potential in coordinating an Athens-Brussels cultural exchange, connecting Romantso and La Vallée through live radio broadcasts, artist talks, or hybrid events that blend music, storytelling, and community dialogue. Additionally, inspired by La Vallée’s approach to public participation, I plan to incorporate more interactive elements into Fade Radio, encouraging greater audience involvement in content creation and live sessions.
My time at La Vallée was an eye-opening experience that reinforced the importance of collaboration, cultural incubation, and the untapped power of audio storytelling within creative hubs. This exchange has strengthened my network, broadened my vision for Fade Radio, and laid the groundwork for future partnerships that could bridge the creative communities of Athens and Brussels. I look forward to building on these connections and integrating these learnings into my work moving forward.
