What’s on this week: 10 to 16 April

Parcours d’Artistes Saint-Gilles celebrates its 20th edition with an exploration of local creativity under the theme “AI, Artistic Intelligence”. Nearly 300 artists open their studios and exhibition spaces across the municipality, inviting visitors to discover painting, sculpture, performance and multidisciplinary artwork. This free event encourages dialogue between artists and the public while reflecting on human creativity as a form of resistance to automation and artificial intelligence. Highlights include exhibitions, performances, workshops and installations in venues such as Maison du Peuple at Parvis Saint Gilles and Maison Pelgrims next to Park Pierre Paulus, as well as events in public spaces. 10-19 April, multiple locations (Saint Gilles)

Some 3,000 children are expected at Wolvendael Park on Saturday for this annual Easter egg hunt. Three to 12-year-olds are invited to join hourly hunts – divided into different age categories – in search of biodegradable discs that can be swapped for real organic chocolate eggs. In addition, there are six bonus eggs – gold, silver and bronze - to track down that can be exchanged at the bar for shopping vouchers. Free entrance, reservation necessary. Food trucks and stands add to the atmosphere. 11 April 11.00-18.00, Rue Rouge 47 (Uccle)

Villa Empain’s flagship summer show Diary of Happiness is French contemporary artist Jean-Michel Othoniel’s first major exhibition in Brussels. Large-scale ultra-colourful installations and delicate watercolours are inspired by his 30 years of travel around the world, from Armenia to Versailles. Like a travel notebook, the works presented are “part of my pursuit of happiness," Othoniel says. Highlights include glass hearts inspired by Japan, a bracelet-laden bicycle from India and Belgium-influenced ‘Magritte’ pipes – and do not miss the giant glass sculptures atop the Villa’s Art Deco outdoor pool. Until 4 October, Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 67 (Ixelles)

Hangar presents Mains d’œuvre, a solo exhibition by French photographer Veronique Ellena exploring the relationship between hands, labour and artistic creation. Known for her carefully composed and quietly poetic images, Ellena turns her lens toward gestures of making, capturing the hands of craftspeople, artists and artisans at work. Through intimate photographs, the exhibition reflects on manual skill, concentration and the beauty of everyday creative acts. Displayed in Hangar’s contemporary gallery space, Mains d’œuvre offers a meditative tribute to the human hand as both tool and symbol of expression. 10 April to 17 May, Place du Chatelain 18 (Ixelles)

The family-orientated Mini D Festival stages dance and circus performances for children up to the age of 11 all around the city. The nine shows in eight venues include a variety of performances and acts, all centred on artistic expression and designed to entertain all ages. The festival aims to raise the profile of contemporary dance and movement with many of the shows appealingly interactive. 15-25 April, Marni, Rue de Vergnies 25 (Ixelles) and other locations

Irrévérence! Festival returns to the Centre Culturel d’Uccle with a programme of theatre that challenges conventions and embraces bold and critical voices. Through performances that mix comedy, provocation and reflection, artists explore themes such as power, identity and freedom of expression. The festival positions theatre as a space for questioning dominant narratives and exploring marginal perspectives, offering audiences a mix of contemporary creations that are both playful and politically inspiring. 15 April to 19 May, Centre Culturel d’Uccle, Rue Rouge 47 (Uccle)

The International Study Group (ISG) welcomes seasoned biotech executive Gustavo Mahler to discuss The Incredible Stem Cell World. As one of the most important breakthroughs in modern medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have enabled scientists to turn ordinary adult cells into virtually any cell type in the human body. Mahler tells the story of iPSC technology and how it moved from an academic discovery to a powerful tool shaping today’s healthcare innovation. Non-members invited to pay fee of €10. 13 April 10.30 (10.00 doors open), Château Malou, Allée Pierre Levie 2 (Woluwe Saint-Lambert)

Book now: Queen Elisabeth Music Competition. Tickets are still available for the first round of this year’s cello competition. The afternoon and evening sessions at Flagey from 4 to 9 May are a fabulous opportunity to listen to six difference candidates perform in each session. Their repertoire includes a sonata by Luigi Boccherini with cello accompaniment, a piece with piano accompaniment chosen from Meditation by Nikolai Roslavets, Ballade op. 3 by Josef Suk, 3 Pièces by Nadia Boulanger and Lullaby for solo cello by Kaija Saariaho. Tickets are priced €11 in the afternoon, €14 in the evening, or €21 for a day ticket. Reduced rates available for young audiences. 4 May to 10 June, Flagey & Bozar

OUTSIDE BRUSSELS

The annual magical floral carpet of wild bluebells is in full bloom in Hallerbos. Visitors are welcome to admire the ephemeral display of spring blossoms from footpaths in the woods. Forest rangers and volunteers are on hand to ensure the protection of the delicate scented flowers. The public is invited to favour public transport options to Halle station with free bikes available daily from the station’s cycle point. Until 3 May, Hogebermweg, Halle, Flemish Brabant

Belgium’s heritage Val Saint Lambert site comes alive this weekend for an inaugural event launching the glass factory's bicentennial celebrations. Visitors can discover its anniversary show Living Crystal – The Exhibition, as well as an immersive video mapping spectacle. In addition to these two flagship experiences, a multitude of activities offer the public a festive, interactive and accessible programme for all ages. The anniversary programme continues until December. 11 & 12 April, Site du Val Saint Lambert, Esplanade du Val 1, Seraing (Liège)

For the 21st anniversary edition of Enghien’s Foire de Jardin, more than 250 horticulturalists, architects and garden designers show off their specialities and wares in this idyllic and tranquil setting. Explore the four-hectare 17th-century park and pick up new skills in numerous workshops and talks. There’s also stands dedicated to outdoor furniture, pools and spas. As well as gourmet food, artisan stands, castle visits and a kids’ playground are among the attractions. 10-12 April, Parc du Château d’Enghien, Enghien (Hainaut)

The Chwètte Parade takes over the streets of Namur on Saturday in an inaugural event conceived by and for city residents. Taking its name from Chwès, a nickname for people of Namur in the Walloon dialect, it aims to reclaim public space and foster community relations through artistic creation. Over the past months, more than 350 participants, with the support of local associations and schools and youth centres have created costumes and artistic performances around a universal question: “What would we need to make our days beautiful?” It concludes at the Anciens Abattoirs cultural centre in Bomel. 11 April from 14.30, Théâtre de Namur, Place du Théâtre, Namur

M Leuven presents Antennae, the first major retrospective in Belgium of Brussels based artist Valerie Mannaerts. Spanning more than 30 years of work alongside new creations, the exhibition explores her uniquely driven practice across sculpture, textiles, painting and installation. Mannaerts investigates how objects relate to space, the body and the viewer, often blurring boundaries between disciplines. The title refers both to insect whiskers and to the artist’s sensitivity to subtle connections between forms, materials and meanings, inviting visitors to explore a rich and shifting visual language. Until 30 August, M Leuven, Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28, Leuven

The Red Star Line Museum presents Drifting Belgians, a new exhibition by visual artist Mashid Mohadjerin exploring a little known chapter of migration history. Through photography, video and sound, the show traces the journeys of Belgian migrants in the 1920s who attempted to reach the United States through Canada despite strict immigration laws. Blending documentary and artistic approaches, Mohadjerin recreates the hopes, risks and realities of those on the move, inviting visitors to reflect on migration past and present. Until 30 August, Red Star Line Museum, Montevideostraat 3, Antwerp

Kortrijk’s new visual arts museum Abby launches Abby & Friends, a collaborative exhibition bringing together three shows under one roof. The museum invites partner organisations Be-Part and Wit.h to co-curate alongside its own presentation, creating a layered programme that reflects Abby’s open, participatory approach. Spanning contemporary art, heritage and experimentation, the exhibition explores identity through multiple perspectives and artistic voices. Set in a renovated abbey complex, Abby positions itself as a dynamic meeting place for art, communities and ideas. 3 April-13 September, Abby, Begijnhofpark (Kortrijk)

The Crystal Ship transforms Ostend into an open air museum of street art. More than 20 international and Belgian artists have created large scale murals across the coastal city, turning walls into public artworks accessible to all. Curated by Matthias Schoenaerts (Zenith), this 10th edition brings together graffiti, contemporary painting and urban art in a celebration of creativity in public space. Visitors can watch artists at work and explore the growing collection via walking or cycling routes throughout the city. Pictured: Does, photo by Jules Césure. Until 11 April, various locations, Ostend

Book now Forest Therapy. We've now crossed the threshold of the Equinox and stepped into the fullness of spring. As the light returns and the world around us comes alive, certified forest therapy guide George Biesmans leads a series of walks in the Tervuren Arboretum. Forest Therapy is the practice of slowing down, awakening the senses and reconnecting with ourselves and the rest of Nature. Inspired by the Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, it is a science-based framework which supports physical, mental and spiritual health and wellbeing. 18 April 9.00-12.00; 24 April 18.00-21.00; 26 April 9.00-12.00; 3 May 9.00-12.00; 8 May 18.00-21.00; 16 May 9.00-12.00; 5 June 18.00-21.00, Tervuren Arboretum

Discover more upcoming events at The Bulletin's events page.

Photos: Fondation Boghossian (Villa Empain) ©Othoniel; Hangar Gallery ©Véronique Ellena; courtesy D Festival; Bicentenaire Val Saint-Lambert ©maeoka.be; Antennae ©Valérie Mannaerts; Drifting Belgians ©Mashid Mohadjerin; Kortrijk Abby: Coup de Théâtre. A Play of Clay; The Crystal Ship: Does, photo by Jules Césure