Les Volumineuses
The project “Les Volumineuses” is a series of events showcasing live music and performing arts shows that will put forward professionals undergoing sexism* within key venues of Brussels’ cultural life and nightlife.
People undergoing sexism* are clearly underrepresented within the Belgian music industry (and everywhere else!), whether it be on stage (singers, musicians, artists) or behind the scene (technicians, organizers). They are victims of self-censorship or institutionalized censorship within artistic sectors.
* People who are victims of sexism such as cis-gender women, transgender people, non-binary people, and members of the LGBTQIA+.
Who’s involved in it?
We are a team of 15 volunteers !
Day after day, we got to know each other and quickly identified the specifications and areas of interest of each one of us to eventually break down the team into 5 distinct groups : production, curation, communication, safe event and mediation.
We also work with other volunteers who help us in a more punctual way (videographers and photographers, for example) as well as with other collectives sharing our values for some collaborative events.
What’s your origin story and your motivation?
We want to make the music industry a more inclusive place and we want the nightlife world to be safer for gender minorities. We are driven by the desire to refuse the systemic sexism some artists are subjected to by giving them a space to express themselves as artists, technicians or organizers.
Under the impulse of one of the members of the collective, we started to imagine the project in April 2021, we were then 5 or 6. We are now 15, the project has grown, and we are determined to make it live as long as possible because we find it necessary.
Do you want to share a special memory with us?
We did a collaborative event last year with several feminist collectives for “Music Day”. It was in June and the weather was so hot! We found ourselves hundreds of people in this small street, dancing half naked because of the heat, for hours. The energy that came out of this crowd was incredible and we all have a wonderful memory of this day. It was beautiful to see all these groups mixing and working together.
What are some of your favorite spots in Brussels?
The ones who share the same values of we do ! Ex : The Crazy Circle, The Agenda, Librairie Tulitu, Cabaret Mademoiselle, le BRASS, La Vallée,...
Where can we find you virtually and/or physically?
Website
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
Les Volumineuses, 2023
