Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The city of Antwerp granted €150,000 to the nonprofit organisation On Stage to turn the former Pius X Church in Deurne into a 400-seat cultural venue. Councillor Lien Van de Kelder supports the project.
As GVA News reported, the city of Antwerp has given €150,000 to the nonprofit group On Stage. The grant will help turn the former Pius X Church in Deurne into a cultural venue. The project will host theatre, music, and workshops.
The church is located on the border of Deurne-Zuid and Borsbeek, an area with few cultural activities. On Stage plans to preserve the church’s historic look while adding modern facilities. The venue will have seating for around 400 people.
What will Antwerp’s €150K grant do for Deurne’s Pius X Church?
Councillor for Culture Lien Van de Kelder (Vooruit) said the investment is important for the local community. She said it will bring culture closer to residents and give them a chance to participate in arts events. The venue will support both established and emerging artists. It will offer performances and workshops.
“This is an investment in a building and, more importantly, in an operation that strengthens culture in our city,”
Councillor for Culture Lien Van de Kelder says.
“Antwerp must be a city where art and culture are accessible to everyone, from the city center to the surrounding districts. Many artists have told us in recent months that they urgently need affordable and high-quality spaces and stages. With this investment, we are contributing to that.”
“The former church stands in a location where there are currently few performance spaces,
explains Van de Kelder.
“This grant will allow for the necessary renovations to ensure the church remains a safe, comfortable, and accessible cultural venue for everyone. This way, people from the neighbourhood and the neighbours of the new Borsbeek district can enjoy a night out not only in the rest of the city, but also locally.”
The total cost of the renovation is estimated at €1.5 million. The city of Antwerp is contributing €150,000 to the project. On Stage still needs to raise most of the funds from other sources. The organisation has started a crowdfunding campaign and is seeking support from grants, donations, and sponsors.
The Pius X Church on Cornel Franckstraat in Deurne was built in the 1960s. The parish was founded in 1960, and the church was officially inaugurated on 16 December 1967. It was designed by architect Paul Meekels in a modern style. For decades, the church was a centre for the community with choirs, parish groups, and social events. Regular worship ended in late 2023, with the last eucharist held on 25 December 2023, and the parish was merged with nearby churches.
In September 2025, the nonprofit organisation On Stage moved into the former Pius X Church on Cornel Franckstraat in Deurne. The group plans to turn the church into a full theatre. On Stage holds the building on a long-term lease from the diocese. The church needs major renovations to become a modern venue.
