Eager to pool their strengths, the Academy of Fine Arts and the conservatory organized this Saturday, June 15, 2024, for the first time, a joint open day. The opportunity for the curious and those close to the students to discover what is happening behind the walls of these two institutions. But not only. It was also a question of allowing the reinvestment of public space.
A desire materialized, from 10:15 a.m., by the performance of the big jazz band led by professor Loïc Wergifosse, under the new awning of Place Verte. This concert with catchy rhythms caught the eyes (and ears) of many passers-by. “We had already gotten into the habit of playing in the center before the work on “Verviers Ville conviviale”. It was called “The orchestra in the city” and this became the Martyr’s Place, recalls Bernard Lange, director of the conservatory. The audience grew in number and then it stopped. Today we see that the awning lends itself well to this. In terms of surface area, it’s perfect and we’re very close to the terraces and the conservatory. We’ll come back!”
Within the musical establishment, it was also time for auditions, awareness of dance and theater as well as various instrument demonstrations. A nice success too. “We are also taking the opportunity to distribute next year’s course schedules, as registrations will begin this Wednesday, June 19.” The event culminates in a concert of baroque music, at the Saint-Hubert church in Heusy, for the benefit of the non-profit organization Au fil du lien, which works to sponsor children in family difficulties and/or social.
Rue du Palais, at the Academy of Fine Arts, which will also come alive this Sunday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the various workshops (drawing, painting, engraving, computer graphics, cabinetmaking, etc.) were accessible to visitors. “Despite the state of the building (Editor’s note: which has stability problems)things were able to be done and the teachers are more than motivated”, says Anne-Sylvie Primo, the director. Concert (with conservatory students) and exhibition were also on the program at the Cercle des Beaux-Arts gallery, at n°157. “The goal is really to make it better known”indicates Anne-Sylvie Primo, the director, announcing in passing the opening of a new multidisciplinary course for adults at the start of the school year.
“It is important to highlight this artistic education that many people envy us and which is a great showcase for our district,” concludes Antoine Lukoki, alderman for Artistic Education (PS).
“It’s accessible to everyone”
In his cabinetmaking workshop at the academy, Alain Lodomez loves to pass on the traditional gestures of woodworking. “In the course, we have people aged 60, who enjoy retirement, and younger people who come to find meaning in what they dohe explains. The courses also help create links between generations so that students can exchange ideas and move forward. A day like this also aims to show that it is accessible to everyone.”
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