UNamur: a campus where culture inspires and nurtures students

UNamur places culture at the heart of its educational project

UNamur places particular importance on the cultural development of its students. Its commitment manifests itself in supporting student creativity, promoting diversity and gender equality, and enriching its teaching with an openness to world cultures.

"Culture, as we define it at UNamur, is a tool for education. Our cultural policy aims to offer students various forms of culture, whether related to studies or not. We have a number of cultural initiatives integrated into our curricula, enabling us to address academic themes through cultural and artistic objects, which is a real added value", explains François-Xavier Fiévez, Vice-Rector for Social and Student Affairs, Culture and Sport. Indeed, culture offers a different form of learning that can serve a training objective just as valuable as academic courses. According to François-Xavier Fiévez, it is therefore essential for students to invest in cultural spaces to enrich their experience but also their understanding.

Growing into your student life

At UNamur, a variety of ways to grow are on offer. Sports, student folklore and cultural activities are an integral part of the university curriculum for Namur students.

These diverse activities are also at the heart of the Kots-à-projet dynamic. Among these, the ImproNam kot-à-projet brings together students who share the same passion: theatrical improvisation. A unique cultural experience, which Master 2 student Kevin Persoons shares with us. "Culture is super important globally, and at university, it's even nicer. A whole host of activities are organized on campus: from kots-à-projets to the Cultural Quiz at the General Assembly of Students (AGE), there's something for everyone! As a student, it's a time when we can discover a whole range of things, from sports and theater to lectures and shows. And on top of that, with ImproNam, we can practice cultural activities ourselves, and that's extremely enriching for us students. It's important to find a balance between student life and personal life: to take time to study and work, but also to visit friends and enjoy life with them. By the way, if you'd like to get an idea of what ImproNam does, I invite you to come and watch the next improv match on February 27," shares Kevin.

UNamur offers cultural workshops open to the student community

Throughout the year, UNamur offers a rich cultural program open to students, but also to the public: language courses, literature and culture, photography, music, theater... The possibilities for self-fulfillment are numerous.

Le Confluent des Savoirs (CDS) is the University of Namur's service for raising awareness, popularizing and disseminating research. Through its activities and events, the dynamic, multidisciplinary team builds bridges between researchers from the university's seven faculties, research and citizens!

"The main objective is to welcome and support student cultural projects and propose them to the university community. Alongside this objective, the Quai 22 team also supports all academic endeavors and regularly collaborates with many of Namur's cultural and associative players with the aim of proposing quality projects that invite reflection.", explains Sarah Picchione, communications officer at the university and head of Quai 22.

By participating in the programming and organization of these events, students develop their creativity, critical thinking and sense of community while enriching their university experience. "A space like Quai 22 also offers a place conducive to socializing and exchanges. It values creativity and cultural diversity, allowing students to express themselves, relax and escape their sometimes stressful daily lives through activities that break away from their academic routine.", completes Sarah Picchione.

Borrowing, consultation, interlibrary loan, book a librarian, training, visits, orders, suggestions and donations... are some of the many services offered by the Moretus Plantin University Library (BUMP).

Namur is packed with unique cultural venues

With culture omnipresent at the heart of the city, Namur offers students a stimulating and inspiring setting.

Among the emblematic cultural venues, let's mention for example:

• The Delta, a creative and exhibition space that embodies the spirit of living together.
• The Théâtre Royal de Namur, which offers a rich program of theater, dance and live performances within a building of timeless elegance.
• The Grand Manège, a true musical city that contributes to the development of students, musicians, artists, music lovers, but also the people of Namur.
• The Pavillon, a new exhibition space that mixes art, science and technology to enable as many people as possible to understand and appropriate the impact of technological innovations on our times.
• The Musée Félicien Rops, which presents the life and work of this world-renowned Belgian artist.
• The TRAKK, a brand new space dedicated to cultural and creative industries, and digital.
• The Citadelle de Namur, a true emblem of the city, hosts a variety of cultural events and offers an exceptional setting for historical and artistic immersion.

The Namur calendar also features major cultural events such as the Festival International du Film Francophone (FIFF), which celebrates cinematic creativity every year, or Namur en mai, the annual festival dedicated to the fairground arts.

Namur is a candidate for the title of European Capital of Culture in 2030

Becoming a European Capital of Culture would enable Namur to enhance its exceptional heritage, promote artistic diversity and offer positive perspectives oriented towards the common good and inclusion for all.