Culture beat – January 23

The first important international art meet of the year is the Brussels Antiques and Fine Art Fair, Brafa at Tour & Taxis from January 25 to February 2. After a record 48,000 visitors last year, the event, one of the longest running in the world, is hoping to attract more than 50,000 for the 2014 edition. Of the 131 exhibitors, 51 are Belgian, around 20 are from Russia, and the remainder represent a dozen different countries. Expect an impressive array of works: statues - antique Roman, Buddha and animal - fine and contemporary art, objects from Europe, Asia, the Far East and Africa, and classic and design furniture.

The Royal Museum for Central Africa is the guest of honour, presenting ‘Singular Collections’, as the Tervuren museum is currently undergoing substantial renovation.

Across the Sablon until January 26 is the Brussels Non-European Art Fair, Bruneaf. Pioneered by an alliance of ethnic-art dealers in the early 1980s it has established itself as one of the best places in Europe to trade in all forms of ethnic art. The main event is in June, but this show is an early appetiser with 30 participating galleries and dealers displaying tribal and historical items, from sculpture to masks, fetishes, weaponry and jewellery.

For art and culture from the Emerald Isle, head to the Paul Hankar Institute this weekend which is hosting an Irish Weekend. It opens this evening (Friday) with exhibits from West Cork and a harp concert by Formiga and Cigale.

Contemporary theatre company FC Bergman stages Van den Vos at Kaaitheater, tonight and tomorrow evening (January 24 & 25). The radical adaptation of the medieval folk tale Reynard the Fox, premiered last month in Antwerp. It is written by famed Flemish actor/director Josse De Pauw (in Dutch).

Discover the magical world of whales in this film concert for children Baleine et contrbasse at Flagey on Saturday afternoon (January 25). Musician Bernard Abeille performs a double bass concerto in front of beautiful images of the endangered species. A poetic and moving journey for kids three and up.

Brussels band Montevideo headline Ancienne Belgique on Saturday evening (January 25). The rock quartet have invited special guests Sylvie Kreusch (Soldier’s Heart) and Lara Chedraoui (Intergalactic Lovers), while Tout va bien support.

More music, this time anti-folk Americana at Botanique on Tuesday (January 28), as singer songwriter, artist and filmmaker Adam Green takes the stage. The former The Moldy Peaches band member is now touring solo in and acoustic show with Francesco Mandelli.