Labiomista Block Party

Long tables in the streets, windows open, smells and tastes from the neighborhood, selling treasures from the attic and garage, music and conviviality... What a pleasure to organise the Koning Boudewijnlaan’s first-since-years block party in Labiomista’s back yard.

Labiomista is the 24-hectare open-air exhibition and brainchild of artist Koen Vanmechelen in Genk where many of his (living) artworks and installations, universal societal topics such as diversity and human rights are made concrete and turned into conversation pieces.

OpUnDi Genk is Labiomista’s community project and local think and do tank of Vanmechelen's international Open University of Diversity. OpUnDi connects with a wide platform of various stakeholders. Projects and installations are developed together and various events and initiatives are organized. This creates a living learning ecosystem of experiments, events and experiences that match the philosophy of the project. The block party is part of this Open University.

After years without a decent block party in the neighborhood around the former zoo in Zwartberg I was asked by the Labiomista team to kickstart a new tradition of getting together out in the streets to connect with neighbors over some good music, fun animations and off course, the glue of all parties: great food and drinks.

But only on one condition, to be merely the support but not the leading role in this festive story. The main goal was after all to inspire the neighborhood to make a start on a renewed tradition.

Together with so many enthusiast locals we set up an exhibition with works of local residents, music from their own streets and food and drinks from everyone who felt like being hospitable. Thanks for having me and congratulations with your very own succesful edition in 2024. Mission accomplished.