Two of Belgium’s leading universities are set to celebrate the cultural heartbeat of Brussels with a rare joint academic tribute. The Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) and Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB) will award honorary doctorates to five influential artists whose work has shaped the capital’s cultural identity.
The ceremony, scheduled for December 4 at the prestigious Bozar, will recognize novelist Lize Spit, literary icon Amélie Nothomb, comic artist François Schuiten, visual artist Ever Meulen, and global music star Stromae.
The joint initiative underscores the shared roots and values of the two sister universities, both founded on principles of free thought and civic engagement. University leaders say the honorees represent the diversity and imagination that define Brussels as a global cultural hub.
In a joint statement, the rectors highlighted that the honorary degrees are not only a tribute to individual excellence but also a celebration of the city’s spirit of innovation, freedom of expression, and social reflection.
Each laureate represents a different artistic discipline but shares a deep connection to Brussels. Lize Spit is recognized for her emotionally resonant novels and cultural engagement, while Amélie Nothomb is honored for her distinctive literary voice and intellectual independence.
Paul Van Haver, better known as Stromae, is being acknowledged for blending music, visuals, and social commentary into a universal artistic language. Meanwhile, Ever Meulen’s distinctive visual style and François Schuiten’s imaginative worlds have both left a lasting mark on the city’s artistic landscape.
The honorary ceremony will take place on December 4, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. and will be accessible by personal invitation only. Organizers describe the event as a symbolic convergence of academia and art, bringing together two universities, one city, and five creators whose work continues to inspire Brussels and beyond.
The joint recognition highlights the growing collaboration between VUB and ULB and reaffirms Brussels’ role as a vibrant center of artistic innovation in Europe.
source:Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Université libre de Bruxelles.
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