Claim Your Space: Route 2b (variant 25 km)

Youth and cultural sector of the Pajottenland-Zennevallei region focuses on art in public space with 'UP.lab Claim Your Space', an art project for young people.

You may have already seen it appearing in the streets: since the summer of 2018, the youth and cultural sector of the Pajottenland-Zennevallei region has been working on the ambitious art project 'UP.lab Claim Your Space'. With this initiative, the youth services and cultural centers of this region are trying to adorn places in public space with creative young people.

A group of twenty young artists has claimed and creatively filled a wall, vacant land, or another piece of public space here and there in the region over the past months. In total, 7 municipalities opened one or more spots in public space for young creators with a mission: these include Dilbeek, Beersel, Lennik, Halle, Gooik, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Ternat. The municipalities of Roosdaal, Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, and Affligem supported the project. The entire initiative was guided by the creators' collective Onbetaalbaar vzw. Onbetaalbaar provided support for the participants' journey and assisted them with tips and tricks for executing their artwork. They contributed to the realization of the artworks and ensured the accompanying learning process.

For example, two young creators claimed the church benches in the Paterskerk in Halle by covering them with fabric. Illustrator Laurie designed the fabric's pattern herself, after which upholsterer Clint covered the seats according to the rules of the art. This unique collaboration has resulted in a beautiful outcome. The duo is rightly proud to have claimed their spot in public space.

Beautiful artworks were also realized in the other municipalities. For instance, the container park in Gooik received a stunning facelift by Björn and Theo. A graffiti artwork on the facade emphasizes the importance of nature and the impact we have on it. In Dilbeek, among other places, the pedestrian tunnel of the N8 was worked on by Pjotr. In Sint-Genesius-Rode and Beersel, Balder worked on natural spots and translated them into artistic installations. Fun fact: some local schools have also put their efforts into the project.

With this bike map, you can easily discover the artworks and their locations. Together with Toerisme Vlaams-Brabant, a cycling route has been mapped out along which one can admire the various artworks. Each artwork has its own QR code linked to the location where you can find the artist's work. The bike map is available for free at the various tourist offices of the participating municipalities and cities. Would you like to know more about the artworks? Then use the interactive map at www.uplab.be.