Stage Residency - Aya

We are delighted to announce the second iteration of Stage, the residency program of 51N4E at Track. Over the past months, @ayadrawings_ has been investigating how public spaces shape, reflect, and challenge our sense of home, and how, in return, specific appropriations of space can shape and reproduce a sense of belonging when far from one’s origin.
Rooted in her personal experiences and architectural perspective, her research explores the intersection of personal identity and collective space. She focuses on Brussels’ North District and its communities, particularly the North African community—with a special emphasis on women’s perspectives, informed by her own identity as a Moroccan woman living in Brussels.

We kindly invite you to join us for two public moments.
 
Event 1: Walk
Saturday, February 1

Meeting Point: Track, Gare du Nord (Rue du Progres 76) at 11:00
Route: We will walk through Rue de Brabant, Place Liedts, and the surrounding areas before returning to Track, where we will gather to discuss our findings and share reflections. Using the walk as a tool, we will attempt to map what ‘home’ means and explore how local communities shape urban spaces, reflecting on the sensory, social, and spatial dimensions of what makes a place feel like ‘home’.

 

Event 2: Public Talk

Wednesday, February 5

Time: 17:30–22:00

Location: Track, Gare du Nord

The exhibition at Track opens at 17:30, showcasing the reflections collected during the walk. At 18:30, a panel discussion featuring Chaimaa Seddiki, Nouria Ouali, Rime Abbad El Andaloussi, Sarra El Massaoudi, Yasmine Tanouti, and Aya Akbib herself will explore the theme 'Home Away from Home'. Moderated by Agnese Marcigliano, each contributor will share insights into the histories and experiences of North Africans in Belgium, particularly in the North District, addressing the presence of women, community and spatial identity in public spaces. The talk will primarily be in French, but contributions in other languages are welcome and will be translated to the best of our ability.

Following the talk, Dhiaa Biya's 'What Else Grows on the Palm of Your Hands' will be screened at 20:00. Tea and Moroccan savories will be served.