“I never thought I would be going back to Muntpunt after graduating.”
by Hot Girl
Hi, Hot Girl here! You may know me from this intro line, my skits on TikTok, or you may not know me at all, so let me introduce myself. My name is Aurelie, and I'm a young creative from Brussels. As we would say in Flemish, “geboren en getogen in Brussel” (born and raised in Brussels).
I have memories of the library from when I was a student. I would come here to study during exams. You had to book a spot to sit, or if you didn't book, you had to go floor by floor to find an available space. If you were lucky, you could find one of those boxes where you could sit with four people.
Through De Grid: Rediscovering Muntpunt
I never thought I would be back at Muntpunt after graduating. I felt like there was nothing for me there anymore. I could buy books online or at bookstores, no need to rent anymore, right? I had access to many things I didn't have before, so there was no reason to go to Muntpunt. It was just for students.
Well, I could not have been more wrong.
I first encountered De Grid through a fashion workshop and talk organized by Hafsa and Amélie. I came because I was interested in fashion, and I also enjoy participating in daytime activities. At this point, I still didn't know what De Grid was exactly, but all I recall from that day is that I left feeling so inspired and in my element.
I couldn't stop talking to my friends about it, encouraging them to come the next time they organize something.
The day came, and I was standing in front of the Muntpunt entrance, confused because it was closed.
Then a girl approached me and asked if I was there for the housewarming party of De Grid Studio, and I said yes.
I thought to myself, Am I exuding so much creative energy that she could tell by my looks that I was here for De Grid, or maybe I was just a confused girl standing in front of a closed library? I entered the building, welcomed by lovely staff asking me what I was there for, and I said, “I'm here to work on the event.” I felt like Carrie Bradshaw at that moment.
“Next thing I knew, Ornella Somanza, community builder of De Grid, reached out to me to cover the housewarming party of De Grid Studio on Friday, November 29th. I felt so honored because she wanted me there as a journalist, but you know, us creatives and imposter syndrome go hand in hand. I decided to put all my doubts aside and just go for it, I knew it was a space for me.”
An Evening of Creativity: Karaoke, Podcast, and the Dancefloor
I got to see the fifth floor through a new lens, not just a place to study, but a place to create. The lights in the room were dimmed, and the space was decorated with lovely neon LED lights. It felt like the sleepover you wished you could have with your cousins but make it posh. As I entered the room, accompanied by my friend (who had no clue at that moment that she would become my camerawoman for the night), we were met with the extensive sip-and-paint workshop in The Atelier.
It was heartwarming to see everyone dressed in “een schort” (apron) just like in primary school, dedicated to their paintings. Everyone was doing their own thing, but you could feel in the atmosphere that it was a safe space to just do whatever, nothing was right or wrong. The hosts of the sip-and-paint session, Céline & Neeya, contributed to this feeling by being very attentive and available.
After this brief break, I went to the Karaoke Jam, curated by Quedulove, that took place in the Auditorium.
I entered and almost never left. This space was so welcoming. Everyone was encouraged to take the mic, and guess what? I did it. I sang Alicia Keys with all the strength I had. In this moment, I really felt like I was part of a community, even though I'm not a singer (because I can guarantee you, my high notes are not what you want to hear). It was like I was on top of the world.
Next, we headed to the bar, and when I tell you Ornella knows how to host, she knows how to host.
There were many snacks available: sweet, salty, sour: think oliebollen, candy, chips, and even deep-fried samosas. When it came to the drinks, the staff kindly served us in red cups. Very American, right? Well, it felt like it.
As I was enjoying my moment at the bar, I got to enjoy an amazing set by DJ Hygra, blending amapiano, funk, and R&B. I wanted to dance, but the party had just started, so I needed to contain myself a bit and visit every station.
After pouring my lungs out at the karaoke session, I wanted to go pour my heart out at the Spill The Tea Session station in De Grid Studio. I was ready to talk, but unfortunately, the room was always busy, so I couldn't speak. However, I was happy to see others enjoying their night in groups, talking and recording their thoughts around a mic. Returning to the main area, I witnessed people painting in the atelier, others chilling and snacking at the bar, and some enjoying board games. The music and the vibe were at their peak, and there was one last place I didn't visit, the dancefloor.
De Grid's Impact on Creatives
I gave it all I had. This moment was pure enjoyment and fun. It was with regret that I had to leave because the party had come to an end. What I can guarantee you for sure is that an unforgettable night was had, and this is thanks to the amazing Ornella. Also, I got to learn more about De Grid and their impact on creatives just like myself.
“They organized and put this space at our disposal to create, so artists, just go and get inspired! I left there feeling inspired.”
Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter when you become member, that's how people got notified of this event, and you wouldn't want to miss the next one. As for me, my chat is over. Don't hesitate to go follow and support all the artists who made the night amazing. You can follow me and contact me on Instagram @hotgirlbxlradio for more content, or @hotgirlbxl on TikTok. I hope to see you next time at De Grid.
