Collaboration Between Creative Minds

**About the Event** You are invited to join **a group of creative individuals** to meet and discuss ongoing projects and work together in a cozy and creative space, at De Maekerij! We will meet to create artistic works, whether your passion lies with watercolors, cross-stitching, photography, drawing, etc. this meetup is for you. It is a place where you can exchange advice, learn new techniques, chat about your creative passion, or simply sit with others and practice your art. You are welcome to bring your own materials, but De Maekerij also has a variety of materials that you are more than welcome to use! The goal of this meetup is to establish a solid community of internationals and locals in Leuven who are inspired by different arts. Everyone is welcome to join, whether international or local! The **common language** of the group will be **English** , but you are of course welcome to speak whatever contact language you like with others! Experience has taught us that crafts are a universal language. Registration is not required, but you can let us know you are coming via[ ](https://www.meetup.com/internationals-and-expats-in-leuven/events/305224373/?slug=internationals-and-expats-in-leuven&isFirstPublish=true)Meetup. **When** Second Wednesday of the month from 19:00-21:00 **Where** [De Maekerij](https://www.demaekerij.be/) Check the event page for location updates! **Price** No registrations are required for this event and it is free to join! In order to use the De Maekeri space for this event, we ask that everyone purchase **at least one drink** during the evening. De Maekerij also has a system where you can pay for a coffee coupon for someone else to use in the future or you can use a coffee coupon that has already been paid for. Ask the counter at De Maekerij for more info. When the event takes place at the International House Leuven, no drink purchase is required.

### Feeling overwhelmed, short on time, and constantly mentally busy? Take a **30-minute energy break** in the middle of your workday — without changing clothes or leaving your desk. **Qi Gong** is a gentle mind-body practice combining slow movements, breathing, and focused attention. It helps release tension, calm the mind, and restore energy — even during a busy schedule. *** ### 🕒 Format * **3 sessions · 30 minutes each** * **Online (Zoom) & in French :)** * **Wednesdays, 12:30–1:00 pm : Feb 11, 18 & 25** *** ### 🌿 Who is this for? * People working on screens or in demanding environments * Anyone looking for a simple, accessible way to reset body and mind No experience needed · Camera optional · Perfect for your lunch break *** ### 👕 What you’ll need * No special clothing (just be comfortable) * A little space around you *** ### 📅 What we’ll explore * **11/2:** Releasing physical tension & breathing * **18/2:** Grounding, stability & energy flow * **25/2:** Mental calm & vitality *** 📌 After the cycle, participants may **choose** **to continue** with a paid weekly class — no obligation. 👉 **This 3-week cycle is completely free !** 🔗 The **Zoom link** will be sent to registered participants each Wednesday morning ⚠️ This free online cycle is limited to **10 participants**. **If the event is full**, please email me at **ejaniaud@hotmail.com** to join the waiting list or be informed of future sessions.

For those unfamiliar with LeanCoffee: it's a moderated discussion format where we talk about the topics that get voted on by the participants. This makes for varying topics. Overall, Lean Coffee provides a flexible and democratic way for groups to engage in meaningful conversation. We try to start at 19:30 with an intro round and start gathering topics you want to talk about straight after. Coming late is ok, but just know that you typically won't have a say in what gets talked about. When you come for the first time, you’ll usually find the host, Nicky, there early, with a Lean Coffee sign on the table — and often in the company of two dogs.

Tonight we take a step away from heavy political and moral debates and turn our attention to something we all recognize instantly, the suit. Whether worn in courtrooms, weddings, business meetings, or on red carpets, the suit has become almost synonymous with formality. Yet its presence feels so natural that we rarely stop to ask how it came to dominate our collective understanding of what it means to “dress properly.” The modern suit did not appear out of nowhere. Its roots trace back to military and aristocratic dress codes that gradually transformed into civilian formal wear during the industrial age. Over time, what began as a specific cultural artifact spread globally and came to be seen, in many places, as the default language of formal attire. So ingrained is this image that many of us struggle to imagine a time when the three-piece suit was not the expected norm for serious occasions. At the same time, this story is not universal. In many cultures, the suit is not a neutral symbol of professionalism but a garment tied to colonial history, imported norms, and the pressure to conform to Western standards. What some view as timeless elegance may, for others, represent cultural erasure or the expectation to abandon traditional forms of dress in order to be taken seriously. Even today, debates continue around what counts as “professional” attire and who gets to define it. Despite countless changes in fashion, social norms, and work culture, the suit has remained remarkably resilient. From old Hollywood icons to modern TV characters, the suit carries an aura of confidence and authority. Just take Barney Stinson’s relentless “Suit up!” campaign in *How I Met Your Mother* as an example, where suits were treated less like clothing and more like a life philosophy. But does longevity automatically make something timeless? Is the suit a genuinely universal classic that transcends generations and cultural differences, or is it simply a tradition maintained by habit and expectation? This evening, we invite you to explore these questions through debate, examining the history, symbolism, cultural influence, and future of one of the most recognizable garments in the world. This debate will follow a British Parliamentary format with eight debaters split into **four teams of two.** Participants who wish to speak are highly encouraged to bring a paper and pen. You are welcome to participate even if you have no prior debating experience. We aim for debates that are respectful, constructive, and welcoming: * **Respect ideas and people** Listen actively, stay quiet while others speak, and debate arguments, not identities or beliefs. * **Be concise and civil** Keep questions short and relevant; avoid hostility, hate speech, or discrimination. * **Respect boundaries and time** No unwanted advances or suggestive behavior; arrive on time to avoid disrupting the debate. * **Follow moderators** They guide the discussion and ensure fairness.

You can now join us for some friendly Badminton games on Wednesdays too! All levels welcome! IMPORTANT: in order to secure your place you’ll need to both book a spot on Meetup AND pay €8 by Sunday 18h00. This is to make sure we can cancel courts if demand isn’t there, and make sure we’re being fair to people on the waiting list. Refunds will only be possible after Monday AM if another player is definitely able to take your spot Always worth joining our Whatsapp group as well for faster, often better, updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/FTipqtyIwcZLThbw8KpQtZ?mode=gi_t The link for the payment of Wednesday 11/02: You can easily pay this with your Payconiq by Bancontact app or your bank app. Thanks a lot in advance! 😊 https://pay.bancontact.com/p2p/ac8f658a-0987-4ba6-960c-388d763abcbd

## 🕊️ L’éducation pour la paix, est-elle possible ? 🌍 **Dialogue philo** Face aux tensions qui secouent notre actualité et aux défis de nos relations quotidiennes, la paix semble parfois être un idéal lointain. Pourtant, si les conflits naissent dans l'esprit des hommes, est-il possible d'y semer les graines de la sérénité et de la compréhension mutuelle ? La paix s'apprend-elle, ou est-elle un état qui nous échappe ? Lors de ce dialogue philosophique, nous nous interrogerons sur la force de l’éducation : peut-elle réellement transformer nos sociétés ? Nous explorerons les chemins de la non-violence et de la connaissance de soi, en nous appuyant sur les réflexions des grands penseurs d’Orient et d’Occident. Un moment d’échange **accessible à toutes et à tous**, dans un esprit d’écoute, de réflexion et de bienveillance. ✨ **Venez avec vos réflexions, vos doutes, et l’envie de construire ensemble une vision plus apaisée du monde !** **Tarif :** 5€ (boisson comprise)

**Co-work & Co-create together: teamwork makes the dream work**! Join us at the IHL for a fun co-working day! Our goal is to create a space where people can come together and work in a shared environment. Whether you're tackling a professional project, pursuing a personal goal, or diving into a creative venture, we want you here! Enjoy free coffee, tea, water, Wi-Fi and extension cables to keep you connected and productive. Come create and motivate with us! **Agenda:** 20-50 minutes of focused work, followed by a 10-15 minute chat break (tracked by a visual timer), repeat. **What to bring:** Yourself and your work! **What we have:** coffee water and tea for free, an honesty bar for soft drinks (everything is 2€) **Registration:** Required via Meetup so we know how many people to expect! **Maximum capacity:** 20 people **About the volunteers:** Kevin is a self-proclaimed productivity nerd on a mission to work smarter, not harder, while fostering an inclusive community that kicks loneliness to the curb! He knows firsthand how easy it is to turn into a potato and binge-watch cat videos instead of getting things done. That’s why he’s super excited to roll up his sleeves, make real progress on projects, and build connections and friendships along the way—because who says productivity can’t be fun? Having lived in Leuven for five years, he’s ready to share ideas, inspire others, and create a supportive environment where everyone can thrive together. Let’s turn those “meh” moments into “heck yeah!” achievements! Kinga is from Poland, but has lived in Leuven for almost 5 years at this point. She knows the city from the perspective of both the student and the professional. She enjoys learning and exploring new topics, and her list of “Oh, I’d like to know more about that” keeps getting longer. The biggest challenge, however, is actually sitting down and getting things done. It’s just way too easy to postpone it until tomorrow. She says, "Since I can’t rely on my motivation, I choose to create an environment that inspires me not to procrastinate." Georgi, who has lived in Belgium for more than 4 years, is originally from Bulgaria, but has been traveled and lived abroad in the last years, before settling down in Leuven. Georgi's passion is people and creating unique and meaningful interactions that leave a mark.

*This creative event is officially managed by our friend group **Paint & Vibes by Amarte**! 🎨✨* \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Join us for a romantic and playful **Paint & Date, Speeddate Edition** on **15 February**. Whether you're looking to meet someone new or just want to enjoy a creative evening with like-minded singles, this event is the perfect mix of fun, art, and connection. As everyone arrives, you can get a ca drink to break the ice, and each pairing will have a cosy little set-up waiting for them. Every round, you switch partners and create a small part of a shared artwork, a fun, low-pressure way to get to know each other while letting your creativity flow. What’s better than meeting new people, laughing over your brushstrokes, and discovering unexpected chemistry through colour? You’ll go home with: * new connections (and maybe a spark!) * fun memories * and a unique art piece created during your speed-date rounds To make this event possible, I ask a small contribution that covers canvases, paints, materials, and my guidance throughout the evening. It also secures your spot so we can welcome as many people as possible. **Price:** €25 The **€25 fee** includes **all painting materials** and **one drink**. **No expectations, just painting, conversation, and good vibes.** * To join, **fill in the form**. **If you’re selected (to keep a balanced group)**, you’ll receive a payment link via WhatsApp. [https://forms.gle/ihnZs9pm5egP577E9](https://forms.gle/ihnZs9pm5egP577E9)

A weekend in a quiet place to focus on your writing… Join us for this first retreat in Brussels area ! ✍🏻 The Winter Writing Retreat includes : * 2 days and 1 night on site * a shared writing room * ⁠a private bedroom (with a dedicated workspace) * ⁠all meals included (1 breakfast + 2 lunches + 1 dinner + snacks) (\*), * ⁠a workshop on Saturday afternoon about « Tips and tricks for reading your text aloud effectively » (\~90 minutes) * ⁠a creative meditation session on Sunday morning (\~15 minutes) (\*) Vegetarian and lactose free options available on demand ! Price: € 190 per person all included Priority for regular members of the Brussels Writing MeetUp 😊 For registration, please send a message to Candice, organiser of Brussels Writing MeetUp. Have a great day ! ✨

Dear all, it is my pleasure organizing an informal meeting with coffee, tea and cake on Saturday 14.2.2026 from 16:00 -18:00 . The purpose is to meet like minded people and members to catch up, chat, exchange our experiences and interests and maybe discuss some ideas for next months ! This is a free of charge event but please feel free to bring some delicacies to share a mindful moment. We will meet to CHS ( Community Help Service) Nachtvlinderslaan 26, 1000 BRX. Please send me an email to confirm your venue, as the places are limited and a reservation is required. Looking forward meeting you ! Kindly Gabriella

**Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a Creative Group Workshop!** ​Dive into the cozy and festive atmosphere of our studio this Valentine’s season. Whether you come with a partner, friends, or on your own, we welcome everyone to join in the joy of creating something special. ​**What’s included:** * ​**Beginner-friendly lesson** (in English) led by Anna, our experienced ceramic artist (https://www.instagram.com/malina_more/) * ​2.5 hours of hands-on creativity: you’ll receive 500g of clay and learn how to create your dream plate or other ceramic masterpiece * ​Explore themes like **hand-building ceramic dishes, clay modeling, working with underglaze, and painting your piece** * ​Final glazing and kiln firings will be taken care of by Anna. Your piece will be ready for pickup within 4 weeks – perfect for a cozy breakfast! ​ A **30-minute networking session** with drinks included. It’s a great opportunity to relax, meet new people, and share your creative energy. ​📅 **Spaces are limited!** Don’t miss the chance to make this Valentine’s Day truly memorable. **Pay online by booking through the following link:** https://luma.com/08g7on0c You can also buy a gift certificate: [https://malinamore.studio/](https://malinamore.studio/) 🌷

Been with us before or coming along for the first time, all welcome. Join the journey from where you are and however ever you are. Lets explore together. Registration mandatory, limited seats available.

[EN] Discover “Babel Games”, the multilingual improv theatre show that pushes the limits of language on stage! In this show, games and improvisation constraints will test the creativity and linguistic agility of our actors. Mixing French, English, Dutch, Spanish and other languages, “Babel Games” is an experience where gestures, emotions and shared energy speak as loudly as languages. Whether you are multilingual or simply curious to see how improvisation can transcend language barriers, “Babel Games” promises an unforgettable evening full of surprises and human connections. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- [FR] Découvrez "Babel Games", le spectacle d'improvisation théâtrale multilingue qui repousse les limites du langage sur scène ! Dans ce spectacle, des jeux et contraintes d’improvisation vont tester la créativité et l'agilité linguistique de nos comédiens. Mélangeant le français, l’anglais, le néerlandais, l’espagnol et encore d’autres langues, « Babel Games » est une expérience où les gestes, les émotions et l'énergie partagée parlent aussi fort que les langues. Que vous soyez polyglotte ou simplement curieux de voir comment l’improvisation peut transcender les barrières linguistiques, "Babel Games" promet une soirée inoubliable pleine de surprises et de connexions humaines. Cast: Dan Gelbard, Peggy Pexy Green, Khalid Benaouisse, Laurie Andrieu Directed by: Laurie Andrieu 📍Where? Où ? [L'Amère à boire Saint-Gilles, Av. Paul Dejaer 20, 1060 Saint-Gilles ](https://lamereaboire.com/fr/) 🏷 Price? Prix? \- Price: 15 euros / Prix: 15 euros \- Price students/unemployed/artists: 13 euros Prix étudiants/sans-emploi/artistes: 13 euros Reserve your spot **[HERE](https://forms.gle/CFH5Gr6DsNWFUoNY9)** ***✨Payment on site in cash / Paiement sur place en espèces✨*** Doors open at 19:30 The Show is organised by **[Atlas, impros du monde - Bruxelles](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555684306970)**[ ](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555684306970)

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

Join us for a vibrant gathering that honors the heart and hustle of local entrepreneurs. It Takes a Village is more than an event it’s a movement to uplift and spotlight small business owners who pour passion into their craft and creativity into our community. From authors and bakers to jewelry makers, t-shirt designers, candle crafters, and beyond. This is your chance to meet the makers, support their work and celebrate the spirit of collaboration. **_Expect_** * Local vendors showcasing handmade goods * Live demos and storytelling from featured creators * Food, music, and community vibes * Opportunities to shop, connect and be inspired * Celebrate the power of small businesses and we all rise

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Sunday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at noon on Sundays. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Sunday!

Bring your Raspberry Pi, Arduino, microcontroller, or any other electronic project and join fellow electronics makers for a night of creativity and collaboration! This session is open forum to share your current projects—whether complete or in progress, it’s all interesting! Whether you’re deep into embedded systems, exploring new ideas, or just getting started, you’ll find a welcoming space to collaborate, share, and get inspired. (NOTICE - Location change!) This session will be at the Karl Road Branch of the Columbus Library in the Conference Room 2.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

NFT's are here to stay folks! This is a group for like minded people interested in understanding, leveraging, using, creating for, profiting from, trading too i suppose, NFT's.. everything around them, complexity, fear and exploits, best practices and more. **PLUS** This group will talk AI ART tools, techniques, artists, video, audio, prototypes and more in the AI assisted production space- ART specifically, but we can get into any aspect of some of the cooler things happening in AI in general.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!