De Centrale

In the 1980s, they were put to cold; the old, coke-driven generators of the municipal power station at Ham in Ghent.

More than ten years later, on 30 September 1994, a few enthusiasts landed in the former administrative areas of the old electricity plant. Their landing heralded the start of what was then still called the 'Intercultural Meeting Centre' of Ghent.

With their arrival, the transformation of the building complex into a provider of new mental energy for the city in change began.

On 1 October 2000, with the opening of the Turbine Hall, this transformation also became tangible.

The Timefestival organised its meeting point there in those days. The organisers simply referred to their place in "De Centrale".

Today, De Centrale is first and foremost a centre dedicated to the creation and presentation of music that refers to the diversity of the urban population.

The various multi-purpose rooms are available for performances, rehearsals, theatre and film productions, workshops, courses and meetings.

The Centrale is an intercultural organiser of the arts and performing arts, an open house that provides a platform for the artistic expressions that arise from the cultural diversity in Ghent, Flanders and Brussels, brings these expressions out of obscurity, but also underpins their recognition and appreciation by wider audiences, thus helping to build bridges within and between the various communities.

In short, the Centrale is a fascinating cultural and meeting place, and above all, a warm and vibrant nest that pays great attention to the power of diversity.