WBA

Wallonie-Bruxelles Architectures (WBA) is a cultural and economic promotion agency dedicated to showcasing the work of architects from Brussels and Wallonia on the international stage. (wbarchitectures.be ) Established in 2010 as an initiative of Wallonia-Brussels International and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, WBA supports the international dissemination and promotion of architectural practices—including architects, urban planners, landscape designers, photographers, and graphic designers—from French-speaking Belgium. The agency also assists these professionals in their export endeavors. (wbarchitectures.be ) WBA's mission encompasses several key objectives: Promoting contemporary architecture abroad and showcasing French-speaking Belgian expertise internationally: WBA acts as an ambassador for the architectural quality produced in Wallonia and Brussels, ensuring visibility abroad for architectural productions from the region and highlighting the work of architects, urban planners, landscape designers, and other built environment professionals to foreign partners. Supporting professionals in their international development: The agency provides guidance to architects, urban planners, landscape designers, and other stakeholders of the built environment, supporting their international endeavors through advice, architectural aid programs, and by facilitating access to professional networks. Encouraging international collaborations: WBA acts as a facilitator in connecting French-speaking Belgian actors with foreign institutions, agencies, or project owners, fostering long-term cooperation and partnerships. Organizing collective representation initiatives or supporting promotional events: WBA participates in the organization of exhibitions, conferences, publications, and other events that highlight local architectural production in international contexts, such as biennials, fairs, and professional gatherings. The agency also coordinates the participation of teams or collectives at international events. Facilitating networking and partnerships: WBA builds bridges between local professionals and international contacts—including project owners, cultural institutions, and public or private partners—with the goal of fostering collaboration and exchange. Documenting and disseminating contemporary architectural production: Through publications, press kits, digital platforms (website, social media, monthly newsletter), and traveling exhibitions, WBA ensures the promotion and dissemination of the French-speaking Belgian architectural scene. Developing an international communication strategy: The agency designs multilingual communication campaigns (web, press, specialized media) to project a coherent and attractive image of the region's architectural scene. It also conducts targeted work with the press to amplify the dissemination of projects from the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Producing and sharing high-quality editorial content: WBA publishes monographs, catalogues, digital platforms, videos, and podcasts that highlight the works, innovative approaches, or emblematic achievements of the professionals it supports. Monitoring international opportunities: The agency keeps professionals informed about international calls for projects, competitions, residencies, and also guides them in finding grants or international partnerships. To fulfill its mission, WBA implements various actions, including organizing exhibitions in key international venues dedicated to architecture, setting up conference and debate programs, developing networking opportunities, facilitating meetings with the international press, foreign architects, potential clients, and decision-makers abroad, inviting key figures to Belgium to discover the potential of Wallonia-Brussels, organizing building visits in the presence of local architects both in Belgium and abroad, developing promotional tools such as a bilingual website, monthly newsletters, social media pages, brochures, books, and exhibition catalogues, organizing seminars and individual or group briefings, ensuring the distribution of publications on architecture in Wallonia-Brussels, and providing guidance on available support schemes, funding opportunities, and international prospects. (wbarchitectures.be ) Through these initiatives, WBA aims to enhance the international presence and recognition of French-speaking Belgian architecture, fostering cultural exchange and economic opportunities for its professionals.