Asse (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – KunstAs in Asse opened a €19 million centralised campus for 2,200 students, led by Director Sofie Servranckx, featuring 25 classrooms, performance halls, a rooftop, an LED-lit facade, and multipurpose facilities.
As VRT News reported, KunstAs, the music academy, spoken word, dance, and visual arts, has opened a new centralised campus in Asse, in the province of Flemish Brabant, Belgium. The school has 2,200 students across 5 locations: Merchtem, Affligem, Ternat, Opwijk, and Asse.
The Asse campus is the largest, with 1,300 students. Director Sofie Servranckx said students used to travel between multiple sites. She added that this was difficult to manage.
“Centralising here makes it easier for students and staff,”
she said.
“Teachers and students can now inspire each other. The building has many open spaces, creating opportunities for interaction and encounters,”
says Kristof Gaublomme, Alderman for Arts Education (Team Mayor).
What will KunstAs’s €19M Asse campus mean for 2,200 students?
The KunstAs campus in Asse has 3 floors and 25 classrooms. At the top, a rooftop classroom offers wide views of the surrounding area. On the ground floor, there is a performance hall with 160 seats.
“Theatre and music groups are also welcome to use it. It’s become a beautiful hall with an intimate atmosphere and excellent acoustics,”
says Servranckx.
Officials mentioned that the campus also has a multipurpose hall with a fully equipped kitchen and underground parking for 70 cars. One of the building’s most notable features is its illuminated facade. Every night, more than 2,000 LED lights create a sparkling display.
The construction of the campus cost more than originally planned. The total spending reached €19 million, while the initial budget was €12 million. Despite the extra expense, the campus provides modern facilities for learning, performance, and events. Authorities say it will serve as an important hub for arts and culture in the region.
“That’s right, but the additional public utility projects-the parking garage and the multipurpose hall-have driven up the price,”
says Gaublomme.
“These additional investments are not included in the arts campus budget.”
The concept for a singular art academy in Asse originated in 2017 when the local authorities suggested integrating the existing drawing school and music school. In 2020, the municipal council agreed to the design of a new campus that included a parking garage and a space for the local harmony Sint-Cecilia, the client.
On 18 September 2023, the contractor ARTES‑Roegiers began working on the building located at Spiegelstraat 3. The building is finished and opened for use on 1 September 2025 for students, and it’s currently hosting all classes that were previously dispersed throughout various locations. A grand public opening event is scheduled for 15 November 2025.