Belgian Art Nouveau & Art Deco: A Cultural Documentary

Author: Shanghai BenCham

A Special Cultural Project Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations Between Belgium and China

In 2026, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China, our member ICI Culture will launch L'Éclat de la Ligne a cross-cultural initiative combining documentary filmmaking, cultural exchange, and international communication. This project is supported by the Benelux Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai.

Rooted in Belgium’s rich architectural and artistic heritage, the project explores the lasting influence of Art Nouveau and Art Deco — two major artistic movements deeply connected to Belgian cultural identity — and their continued impact on contemporary architecture, design, fashion, jewellery, and lifestyle culture.

 

An International Narrative of Belgian Aesthetics

Filming is expected to take place across Brussels and multiple cities in Belgium throughout 2026, exploring iconic Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture, historic interiors, design studios, cultural institutions, and contemporary Belgian brands.

The project extends beyond architecture itself, exploring themes including:

  • Architecture and urban space

  • Contemporary interior and furniture design

  • Belgian craftsmanship and lifestyle culture

  • Fashion, jewelry, and design industries

  • Heritage preservation and innovation

  • The cultural expression of Belgian brands within global creative industries

A Cultural Dialogue Between Europe and Asia

Within the context of the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China, the project also aims to foster new dialogue and collaboration across culture, creativity, and international communication.

 

Premiere & VIP Cultural Art Night in Shanghai

As an important extension of the project, the global premiere and cultural art night is expected to take place in Shanghai at the end of October 2026, and is planned to be hosted at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Shanghai.

Bringing together distinguished guests from the worlds of diplomacy, architecture, design, business, media, and culture, the evening is envisioned as an immersive cultural gathering centered around Belgian aesthetics and contemporary lifestyle culture.

 

The programme is expected to include:

  • Global premiere screening of the documentary (Selected 30-minute Cut)

  • Cultural forum and conversations on Art Nouveau and Art Deco

  • Immersive architectural projection experience

  • Belgian art de vivre reception and dinner

  • Cultural brand showcases and artistic spatial installations

  • Networking exchanges between Belgian and Chinese business and cultural communities

The event is expected to welcome representatives from Belgian diplomatic institutions, Chinese and Belgian business leaders, architects, designers, media representatives, cultural organizations, and invited VIP guests.

 

Project Timeline

April – June 2026 | Development Phase

Launch of international partnerships and brand collaborations, confirmation of institutional support, and overall documentary planning and production preparation.

July – August 2026 | Filming Phase

Production team travels across Brussels and multiple cities in Belgium to film Art Nouveau and Art Deco architectural heritage and interview leading figures from architecture, design, culture, and business.

September 2026 | Post-Production Phase

Completion of documentary editing, multilingual subtitles, visual packaging, and media communication materials, alongside preparations for the Shanghai global premiere and Sino-Belgian Art Night.

End of October 2026 | Global Premiere & Sino-Belgian Art Night

The documentary’s global premiere and cultural evening are expected to take place at the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Shanghai, gathering distinguished guests from diplomacy, business, design, media, and culture to celebrate 55 years of diplomatic relations between Belgium and China.

 

Call For Principal Partnerships & Corporate Sponsorship

ICI Culture is currently opening a limited number of partnership opportunities to global brands, multinational companies, cultural institutions, and art patrons.

Through this unique cultural initiative combining documentary filmmaking, cultural diplomacy, and international communication, partners will have the opportunity to engage directly with a high-level network spanning diplomacy, business, design, media, and international cultural exchange.

Partnerships & Inquiries

E-mail: yihan.hu@iciculture.com
WeChat: yihan-hu