“Where Do The Ants Go?” by Afrah Shafiq.
During Horst, Afrah Shafiq lured us away from the festival’s crunching rhythm to explore the unique links between ant colonies and algorithms. Leading us deep into the bushes to discover the lives of a simulated ant colony, living in the large-scale anthill.
In each life cycle, the ants feed on the thoughts of those present in the anthill and the feelings they choose to amplify or negate. The behaviour of the individual ants and the collective outcome of the colony depends on the real-time input with which they are fed. Inspired by the cult video game Minecraft, the project attempts to bring together the natural world, the human mind, and technology to offer the possibility to step back, observe patterns, and convert data into insight.
For Horst, Afrah Shafiq collaborated with BC materials to develop a new outdoor version of Shafiq’s existing work “Where Do The Ants Go?” using earth blocks as the main building material. The project “Where Do The Ants Go?” will further develop across a wide range of geographies and social contexts, engaging new players and changing the game with new cultural perspectives and curatorial input as it travels from its debut at the 2023 Dhaka Art Summit until the end of 2024 through the To-Gather platform facilitated by Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. The installation remains on view until 8 September at Asiat Park.
Music by Aurora Halal - Just Tell Me.
With the towers’ mesmerising festival façade gone, we can only reminisce about their former state. As this year’s highlight and eye-catching attraction – Theo Triantafyllidis’ monumental video screening “Meanwhile” – transformed the cooling towers into a vibrant canvas. Rewarding those who took on the challenge of a climb with the perfect vantage point to watch the spectacle unfold just after sunset.
“Meanwhile” was a kaleidoscopic array of videos selected from live simulations. It offered a unique exploration of the site’s spirit and was carefully tailored for the festival’s tenth anniversary.
Theo Triantafyllidis is an artist who works with digital and physical media to explore the experience of space and the mechanics of embodiment in hybrid realities. Utilising algorithms and game engines, virtual reality headsets, and experimental performance processes, he creates interactions within immersive environments. Projected onto one of the iconic cooling towers, Theo Triantafyllidis’ work serves as both a visual spectacle and a catalyst for reflection on the intersection of art, environment, and human interaction.
Special thanks to TICK TACK, the artist, Beam Inc., and Engie for making this visionary project possible.
Music by Gene On Earth - Studio Dobra
We’re now opening the applications for the Atelier summer weeks! A two-week endeavour of co-creation and participation that will shape what’s on the Horst horizon. Applications close on August 4th, so don’t miss your chance and apply now at https://shorturl.at/uw9Rz.
Horst, born from a volunteer spirit and shaped by many hands, has grown into a vibrant community of over 500 budding artists. Each year, these artists bring Horst to life, making communal work the heartbeat of our project. This year, from September 1st to September 13th, we invite a new set of participants to join us. Over these two weeks, you will have the opportunity to collaboratively create the Horst Club and contribute to the transformation of Asiat Park’s indoor and outdoor spaces.
Join us for at least one week, starting with an introductory get-together on Sunday evening and concluding with a last look at your creative efforts on Friday.
Music by Pedro Mizutani - Chuva De Verão (Jex Opolis Remix).
Pre-registrations for Horst Arts & Music Festival 2025 are now open.
Secure a spot on next year’s dancefloor at horstartsandmusic.com/pre-register and join us 1, 2, and 3 May 2025 as we explore new horizons across the water to Asiat-Darse Park.
Registrations close on Sunday, September 29, and first tickets will go on sale starting Wednesday, October 9.
Pre-registrations for the Horst Arts & Music Festival 2025 ticket sale open in exactly one week. Be ready!
Here's Tai Lokun delivering what she came for—turning sunset at Ring into a sizzling spectacle. Join us on May 1, 2, and 3 as we explore new horizons across the water to Asiat-Darse Park.
From barracks to brilliance: This year's expo programme showcases the innovative collective Stand van Zaken and the multi-talented Serban Ionescu, who have spectacularly transformed the former Officer’s Bar into a stunning 'Gesamtkunstwerk'.
The revitalised bar features circular materials, vibrant colours, and playful designs based on tiny creatures still haunting the space. The project is a beacon of community spirit, with Bar Bâtard—celebrated for their micro-brewery and artisan bakery—pouring their heart into creating an inclusive atmosphere for all. Alongside local organisations and partners, they are set to launch social endeavours to enrich the neighbourhood.
'To Have or To Hold' has opened its doors. Swing by!
In partnership with Vedett. With the heartfelt support of 'provincie Vlaams-Brabant’ and ‘het Vlaamse Randfonds’.
Music by Jex Opolis - Soft Guidance (Metamorphasex Mix).
Blowing out ten candles in the most magical way—our hearts are overflowing! Thank you deeply. 💗
Next year, we’re setting sail for new, lush landscapes across the water. See you 1, 2 & 3 May 2025!
Music by GREG - Shatta
RHR & Rxfx - Flexiona
Skream and Benga exceeding all expectations—monumental!
Surfacing from last night's plunge, we're ready for round two. Our doors are open—Asiat Park beckons under perfect skies!
Music by Rrose - Waterfall.
'Reservoir Romance' by Katharina Senzenberger: Exploring themes of queer belonging and transformation within the dreamlike, fluid Rain Room. To be witnessed every festival day at 22h00.
Performed by Katharina Senzenberger and Benze C. Werner. Music by olmatri.
Ten years down and the best opening day we could have asked for. You've set a new high—thanks for soaring above and beyond!
Track: Jex Opolis - Soft Guidance (Insomnia Mix)
Grooves to games—Gay Haze’s very own Fais Le Beau and Eoin DJ lighting up the ‘Ring’ by Piovenefabi, before its athletic makeover into a public sports field right after the festival.
Brushing up the last bits before we welcome you! We’re looking forward to celebrating our tenth anniversary together in Asiat Park.
Thanks to Bosch eBike Systems for powering up the ateliers with their tools.
See you in a bit!
Track ID: @grgregreg & @_kingdoudou - Dembow Tronico
Introducing the Horst Peloton to strengthen our multifaceted bond with our creative capital. The Horst Peloton is your greenest and most enjoyable journey to the festival from Brussels, powered by Bosch eBike Systems.
Guided by Critical Mass Brussels and their widely celebrated ‘Veloblasters’, the Horst Peloton will depart from K1 (the temporary base of KANAL Centre Pompidou) and ride in group to Asiat Park. Departure is scheduled for 14h00 everyday. The bike rides will be soundtracked by NIKA on Thursday, Loois on Friday, and Drache MuMu on Saturday. LEFTO EARLY BIRD will join the peloton on Thursday as well.
Sign up now at https://shorturl.at/msyY6 and ride the rhythm with us, it’s completely free of charge! You’ll get a Horst drinking bottle and bike tune-up at Mobyspot en plus.
Our first festival day is a bank holiday, and it’s the only day we still have a few tickets for at https://festival.horst.tickoweb.be. You know what to do—after those it’s over and out!
See you next month.
Track: Nene H - GEN MF Z
The lineup for Resident Advisor's stage at Horst Arts & Music Festival 2024 has been announced.
This year will be the second time Resident Advisor is hosting the Vesshcell stage, where they will welcome 19 artists across three days. On the roster are Two Shell, Zakia, C.FRIM, Nooriyah, For All Queens!, Akanbi, Susobrino, Kelman Duran, DDVRKK, Bongo Hi-Fi, GЯEG & Le Motel, Etienne 4U, O’SIMMIE, GOLDENZEBORA, Fatoosan, BAE BAE, Broodoo Ramses, RHR and Panterah & Leinthebox.
Explore our full music programme at https://shorturl.at/kqrL9.
Music by RHR - 'EN-GIRO.
Horst Club is coming to a close this weekend, and we could not be happier to welcome the beacon of light that is DTM Funk again. David has been a regular since our early days and this clip shows exactly why: his message is one of love and positivity in its purest form.
DTM Funk is playing the club closing weekender together with Suze Ijo, somewhere in the late afternoon on Sunday. Join us in celebrating the end of the first Horst Club season while you still can at https://club.horst.tickoweb.be!
Video shot by Errol during their truly amazing b2b performance at the State of Play stage last year.
The Lot Radio x Kiosk Radio x Moon Ra
Moon Ra’s final beams, a worldwide collaboration of streams! For the last-ever dance in the iconic UFO stage, we’re delighted to welcome The Lot Radio alongside Kiosk Radio to co-host and stream three days of Moon Ra magic at Horst Arts & Music Festival 2024. From Asiat Park to outer space, from Brussels to New York.
Let’s bid our beloved mushroom hidey-hole the epic farewell it deserves, shall we? Programme dropping next week.
Track: DJ Swisha - CLUB MEGAMI### (DUB MIX)
Discover the brand new Horst Expo titled ‘To Have or To Hold’, turning Asiat Park into a lively outdoor exhibition. Our 2024 expo will premiere during the festival, and will afterwards be celestially opened at the vernissage on May 23.
‘To Have or To Hold’ presents work of Afrah Shafiq, Every Island & Flore Fockedey, Luca Vanello, Maëlle Dufour, Piovenefabi, Rachel Daniëls, Sheila Hicks, Stand van Zaken & Serban Ionescu.
Eight visual artists and collectives have been given free reign in and around Asiat Park to question the defining role of human interference. From site-specific commissions that physically intervene on the context to digital interpretations that shine a contemporary light on appropriation and solidarity. An exhibition that brings together the natural world, the human mind and technology to offer the possibility of stepping back, observing and perhaps re-setting patterns.
Explore our renewed Expo webpage at https://rb.gy/e2168z everything you need to know about our 2024 arts programme.