What a weekend. Despite the unpredictable weather, Bazarre Artistique lit up the Marie Altelaarplein on May 24 and 25 with two full days of art, creativity, talent and community. Sure, the rain kept us on our toes, but that didn’t stop anyone. Around 2,000 visitors showed up over the weekend, umbrellas in hand and ready to explore.
Saturday was wet. Really wet. Not exactly ideal for a first-time event. But somehow, everything came together. The tents held firm, the artworks stayed dry, and the visitors kept arriving. Artists thoughtfully decorated their stands to protect their creations from the rain. The live graffiti painters carried on without hesitation, probably well used to working in less-than-perfect conditions. Sunday brought gentler weather, and with it, the square truly came to life!
Over 50 artists set up their shop on the square and inside the church. From bold sculptures to handmade textiles, vibrant prints and photographs to digital paintings and intricate mixed-media pieces, the range was jaw-dropping. Each creator brought a unique vision and technique, and each booth offered a universe of its own.
The fire-spitting dragon in the middle of the square (yes, you read that right) may have startled a few kids, but the puppet show and Kiki’s face paint van more than made up for it. Meanwhile, the Clinker company’s foosball setup drew in a cheerful crowd of its own, adding playful energy to the day. Inside the church, the Talent Room gave young artists a well-deserved spotlight, and they rose to the occasion. Life graffiti painters turned heads throughout the weekend, while a steady stream of performances kept the crowd engaged, rain or shine.
We couldn’t have done it without our amazing partners and supporters: Dock, Sciandri, Montana Colors, Nicholas Groenten & Fruit, the incredible participating artists, and the dedicated volunteers who made everything run smoothly. Your contribution made all the difference. This first edition of Bazarre Artistique showed us what’s possible. It wasn’t flawless, but we’re proud of what we pulled off together. We’re already planning a second edition!
Want to be involved? Let us know!
Did you have a good time at the bazaar and want to help us out? Please reply to our enquête (it’s in Dutch).
