Rabko

RABKO is a bilingual network dedicated to fostering dialogue and reflection, serving as a platform for advice and information, and acting as a key interlocutor concerning arts and culture in Brussels. (rabbko.be ) Bringing together over 160 cultural actors from various disciplines and organizational types, RABKO was established by Brussels-based cultural organizations to encourage political dialogue and artistic collaboration. The network aims to contribute to the visionary development of Brussels' cultural sector by implementing a concerted cultural policy tailored to the European capital, transcending disciplinary, sectoral, and linguistic boundaries. (rabbko.be ) To achieve this, RABKO organizes thematic meetings based on the needs and questions arising from the sector. These debates, information sessions, roundtables, working groups, and training sessions are open to all interested cultural workers, whether members or not. (rabbko.be ) Advocating for a wise cultural policy, RABKO recognizes that the arts are thriving in Brussels. Within the city's complex institutional context, the network conducts political advocacy in a spirit of constructive dialogue. To protect the interests of the cultural sector as a whole, RABKO formulates positions and drafts recommendations for political parties and their representatives at all levels. The network also represents its members on various cultural and institutional committees and councils. (rabbko.be ) Emphasizing the power of connection and interaction, RABKO develops exchange, consultation, and reflection on Brussels issues with all cultural workers in the region. Joint action is central to the network's activities, regardless of the format: working groups, thematic events, structural collaborations, and sectoral consultations. Closely monitoring sector news, RABKO provides advice, builds bridges between members and partners, and keeps network workers informed through communication tools such as its website, newsletters, and social media. (rabbko.be ) Committed to overcoming linguistic barriers, RABKO makes multilingual communication a fundamental principle. The network partners with numerous organizations that experience the complexity and diversity of Brussels daily, working closely with universities, research and documentation centers, sectoral organizations, and civil society actors who share an interest in similar issues. RABKO also collaborates regularly with other Brussels networks, including Brussels Museums, La Concertation - Action Culturelle Bruxelloise, and N22 Brusselse Gemeenschapscentra. (rabbko.be ) RABKO members are professional arts and cultural organizations based in Brussels. For their activities, they receive structural subsidies from one or more public authorities (FWB, Cocof, Region, federal, VG, VGC, or a Brussels municipality). They pay a membership fee based on their structural subsidies and are represented in the general assembly. However, RABKO's activities are open to all cultural workers and other interested individuals, regardless of membership status. (rabbko.be ) The Brussels region is traversed by numerous levels of government, each contributing their own skills and perspectives in cultural and artistic matters. In Brussels, the following public authorities provide structural subsidies to artists and organizations: The Communities (Wallonia-Brussels Federation and Flemish Community) The Community Commissions (Cocof and VGC) The Federal Government The Brussels-Capital Region The 19 municipalities The European Union Additionally, there are specific and ad hoc calls for projects. RABKO shares information on job offers, calls for projects, applications, partners, grants, debates, seminars, roundtables, non-profit training, surveys, research results, publications, online tools, cultural activities for the public, internship or volunteer opportunities, and for-profit meetings and training. The network is happy to share information relevant to cultural workers in Brussels. (rabbko.be ) RABKO's team includes: Brigitte Neervoort : General Coordination Meike de Roest : Communication Arnaud de Schaetzen : Administration and Production Keisha Strano : Coordination of United Solidarity and Diversity & Inclusion The network's office and postal address is: c/o La Bellone Rue de Flandre 46 1000 Brussels T +32 489 34 86 13 info[at]rabbko.be RABKO exists thanks to subsidies and contributions from its structurally subsidized member organizations, but its activities are open to everyone. Exchanges become even more interesting with a mix of profiles: institutional staff, artists, municipal employees, students, researchers, and more. The network is here to support and unite the cultural sector in Brussels. (rabbko.be )