Brussels, August 31, 2026 – Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Belgium Roman Vassilenko met with Yves Goldstein, CEO of KANAL-Centre Pompidou, and Guy Gypens, Head of Performing Arts.

The meeting focused on the growing cultural and people-to-people ties between Kazakhstan and Belgium and opportunities for joint projects in contemporary art, architecture and performing arts. The Ambassador highlighted Kazakhstan’s cultural initiatives in Belgium in 2025-2026, including Shanyraq Fest Brussels, screenings of Kazakh films and the activities of Kazakh cultural centres.

Particular attention was given to establishing direct institutional links between KANAL-Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Almaty. Potential areas include joint exhibitions, presentations of Kazakh contemporary artists in Brussels, artist residencies, curatorial exchanges, as well as theatre, dance, music and multidisciplinary projects.

In this context, the Kazakh side proposed considering the signing of a cooperation agreement or Memorandum of Understanding between KANAL-Centre Pompidou and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Almaty during the upcoming State Visit of His Majesty King Philippe to Kazakhstan. The sides also discussed the concept and objectives of a special performance that KANAL plans to present at the Almaty museum during the State Visit.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the sides expressed interest in identifying concrete joint projects and expanding direct links between cultural institutions of Kazakhstan and Belgium.

Background: KANAL-Centre Pompidou is a major new cultural institution in Brussels, located in the former Citroën complex of around 40,000 m². Developed in strategic partnership with Centre Pompidou in Paris, KANAL brings together contemporary art, architecture and performing arts. Its official opening is scheduled for 28 November 2026.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/mfa-brussels/press/news/details/1283259?lang=ru