The MicroMarchéMidi initiative is part of a wider project called 'Micronomics’, a project inspired by the economic paradox of Brussels. The initiators support the idea that so-called urban interventions can form a catalyst for debate and change concerning the imbalanced state of the Brussels economy. They believe that people who do not succeed in improving their economic well-being or realising their economic projects in the ‘established city’ might be able to thrive in urban cracks; places where regulating forces that structure the city are absent or can be challenged. It is believed that the development of collective creative projects in the fringes of the urban economy can improve people’s general well-being, address the economic imbalance that characterises Brussels and contribute to a socially just city.

MicroMarchéMidi is a weekly market which provides a platform for a diverse range of activities and products. It is aimed at people who would like to sell or exchange their self-made products, services or ideas. The market especially attempts to attract those people who do not, or cannot, establish themselves as independent entrepreneurs, such as youngsters, artists, people looking for work, asylum seekers and other newcomers. In this way MicroMarchéMidi gives a place to those people who would normally not be able to present their products. The market is a ‘freespace’ promoting administrative flexibility while still working completely legally and stimulates creativity. It is an open space for meetings, experimentation, exchange and debate concerning the ‘rickety’ state of the Brussels economy. At the moment the market is in its 'test phase', which might result in a permanent market. 

Three organisations manage the market: Citymine(d), De Overmolen and De Beursschouwburg.

The debate on the economically imbalanced situation in Brussels will be addressed by the use of festivals, of which MicroMarchéMidi is an example, a network book, containing information on initiatives within the Micronomics project and a continuous spread of information on the projects and its methodology, network and results through the internet, press and local/international workshops.

'MicroMarchéMidi' aims at:

The first 'MicroMarchéMidi'- market was held on the 30th of September 2007. It presented an interesting mix of (in)experienced traders, artists and visitors. The event will take place every Sunday until December 2007. After that the event will be evaluated. The organisers hope the market to gain a more permanent character in the future.

Citymine(d)
Belgium
Phone: +32-2-779 59 00
info@citymined.org
Sofie van Bruystegem

30/09/2007

case

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Quality of life