CurieuCity explores urban agriculture and food in our cities, highlighting the importance of sustainable farming practices for food security, environmental resilience and urban well-being. Beyond simply producing food, it’s about developing food systems that benefit both communities and the environment in the face of increasing urbanisation and ecological challenges.
Brussels shines in urban agriculture, transforming its spaces into innovative and sustainable food production zones. With 38 urban farms and over 150 local projects, the capital is boosting its food autonomy, supporting biodiversity and stimulating its local economy. Recognised for its excellence, Brussels ranks second among the pioneering cities in urban agriculture according to a recent study by the Canadian Urban Agriculture Laboratory. However, despite their potential, these initiatives alone cannot meet all the food needs of a growing urban population.
CurieuCity invites you to discover the prowess of urban agriculture through unique and enriching experiences. Visit the BIGH aquaponic farm and the exhibition at Microflavours to see how aquaponics and hydroponics transform small spaces into productive sources of local food. Also explore the Groot Eiland urban field, where the SPIN method reveals how the roofs of urban buildings can be transformed into nourishing gardens. In addition, the VUB’s IMDO research group takes you into the fascinating world of fermentation, offering tastings that link science and flavour. Each of the festival’s activities does more than just demonstrate sustainable techniques; it opens windows onto biological processes that are essential for healthy eating and a sustainable future.
CurieuCity celebrates education and innovation, notably through the Fablab’ke workshops and exhibitions. These events demonstrate the transformation of recycled materials into eco-friendly structures such as greenhouses and planters. They put the circular economy into practice, proving that creative and accessible approaches can be integrated into our everyday lives to improve urban sustainability.
BackToSoilsBasics’ eco-futuristic Water Tower is a living laboratory that fuses decolonial ecology and urban permaculture, encouraging visitors to explore sustainable environmental practices. This installation invites active participation, transforming the way city dwellers perceive and interact with their urban environment, towards a more ecological and inclusive development.
The “Végétal à croquer” workshop invites participants to discover plants in a tactile and gustatory way, while learning about their anatomy. The Plantswap, organised by Rhizome, creates a community space where sharing plants and gardening tips enriches collective knowledge. These initiatives strengthen social ties and raise awareness of the sharing economy and biodiversity, the keys to sustainable urban development.
Biodiversity is another pillar of urban agriculture, highlighted by initiatives such as Bûûmplanters, which promotes the planting of flowers, vegetables and fruit trees in urban areas. Not only do these projects make our cities greener, they also improve air quality, help pollination and encourage participation through planting and harvesting activities, strengthening interactions and transforming urban spaces into local production zones.
At a time when urban soil pollution and degradation are growing concerns, CurieuCity is also presenting exhibitions, walks, workshops and lectures from the CiDéSol and Super Terram projects. These initiatives highlight bioremediation techniques that use nature to decontaminate and revitalise soil, enabling it to be reused for urban agriculture. This approach not only reduces the environmental impact of pollution but also promotes more sustainable management of urban soil.
Finally, Xavier Gazon’s Gahalana installation is a good example of a project where art can be a driving force behind scientific curiosity. This installation looks at the influence of sound on plant growth, a subject currently being debated by scientists. This immersive experience takes an intuitive and sensory approach to this research topic, stimulating reflection on how plants interact with their environment.
CurieuCity does more than simply present examples of innovations in urban agriculture and sustainable food; it invites participants to enjoy interactive and educational experiences that reveal the possibilities of transforming our urban environments into green, productive and sustainable ecosystems. Each activity aims to inspire participants to adopt sustainable practices and reflect on their role in transforming their urban environment towards a harmonious integration of nature in the city. By bringing together art, science and community in a dialogue on sustainability, the festival encourages every city dweller to play an active role in reconfiguring their urban environment for a greener, more self-sufficient future.
Join us and be part of this urban and sustainable adventure!