#urbanlandscapes2026
In Brussels, urban art is at the heart of urban renewal programmes.
These community murals, developed and funded as part of the socio-economic initiatives of the Sustainable Neighbourhood Contracts (SNCs) and Urban Renewal Contracts (URCs), are more than mere decorative features; they are genuine catalysts for social cohesion. By focusing on community participation for their creation, these initiatives enable residents to reclaim public space while enhancing their neighbourhood’s identity.
Make the most of the summer and (re)discover some of them
An Organic and Colourful Mural in the Midi Neighbourhood, Saint-Gilles
At 58 Rue de Mérode, artists Marina Gutiérrez and Antoine Mathurin of the Phayam Productions collective created a mural to enhance and enliven the public space within the “Midi” SNC area. The project was developed in collaboration with the non-profit organisation QUEF through painting workshops involving local children, exploring the themes of greening and biodiversity. Their drawings served as the basis for the final composition, which integrates nature into the urban landscape of Saint-Gilles.
This Is Not a Mural in Jette
On one of the buildings of the Foyer Jettois, near Square Blabla, artist Shozy has created a monumental mural with the support of the Treepack collective. The artwork, whose final design was selected through a vote by residents of the Esseghem site, is divided into three parts and based on the principles of optical illusion. A nod to the surrealism of Magritte, after whom the SNC is named, this mural has become a new landmark for the neighbourhood, while directly involving its residents.
A Participatory Mural Brightens the STIB Depot in Schaerbeek
The blank façade of the STIB depot on Chaussée de Haecht has been transformed by “Dessine-moi Mon Pogge”, a participatory mural covering around sixty panels. Between 2022 and 2023, more than 1,000 drawings collected from local residents, shopkeepers, schoolchildren and employees were brought to life by the FreskoLab collective, with contributions from SKOPE, the Dallas collective and ETH Zurich, at the initiative of the “Pogge” SNC.
A Folklore Giant Connecting Koekelberg and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean
A new monumental mural by the 7e Gauche collective was recently unveiled beneath the bridge on Rue de Ganshoren, on the border between Koekelberg and Molenbeek-Saint-Jean. Chosen by local residents, this participatory project depicts a folklore giant in the colours of the two municipalities and incorporates Art Deco motifs inspired by the local architecture. It marks the first stage of a street art trail developed as part of the URC6 “Autour de Simonis”.
To go further
You can also (re)discover other artistic and participatory projects carried out in recent years in various neighbourhoods across Brussels.
Continue exploring art in public space through Urban’s Inventory of Movable Heritage. This inventory highlights the richness and diversity of the artworks found in the capital’s public spaces, which contribute to Brussels’ social life and urban culture.
A nod to the Maison des Artistes in Anderlecht
The blank wall of the Maison des Artistes, visible from Rue Wayez, was transformed in 2022 through an original participatory mural. Created by Ludovic Mennesson, this black-on-white artwork draws inspiration from the graphic patterns used in eye tests, echoing the history of this heritage building. The project actively involved local residents through community workshops organised with five schools and three local associations, with the support of the “Biestebroeck” SNC.
A Splash of Colour Beneath the Luttre Bridge in Forest
The participatory project “Ma maison sur Senne” led to the installation of several permanent artworks within the “Wiels-sur-Senne” SNC in Forest. No fewer than 150 residents of all ages collaborated with local artists through five different artistic techniques to enhance their neighbourhood. Beneath the Luttre Bridge, the monumental artwork “Click n Pschitt”, designed by Patrick Croes and the Sarendip collective, has transformed this sombre space since June 2020 into an explosion of colour, featuring dynamic geometric shapes inspired by the flora and fauna of the nearby Wiels Marsh.
A Mural of Residents at Work in Anderlecht
Between May and September 2021, the collective Les Oiseaux Sans Tête (O.S.T) created the participatory mural “Les bâtisseurs” near Place Lemmens. This monumental trompe-l’œil mural depicts local residents and children from the neighbourhood, photographed at work with cardboard tools in their hands. Developed as part of the URC5 “Heyvaert-Poincaré”, the artwork aims to highlight local skills and the residents’ involvement in the neighbourhood’s regeneration.
An Aquatic Mosaic Mural in Saint-Gilles
The wall of the Institut des Filles de Marie on Rue de la Perche in Saint-Gilles was transformed in October 2013 at the initiative of the “Parc-Alsemberg” SNC. Created as a mosaic, this participatory mural was designed by the artist duo Murielle Lô and Maud Zabczynski. The artwork is inspired by the aquatic world of the nearby Victor Boin municipal swimming pool. Residents and local users were involved throughout the co-creation process.
