Storm warning over the Belgian Comic Strip Center

« After almost 22 years of service […], written on his Facebook page Willem De Graeve, who on this occasion left his post of director of communication at the Center, I had my share of difficult moments at the Belgian Comic Strip Center, but I will take with me all the beautiful and enriching experiences that have been even more numerous. Above all, I have fond memories of all the fascinating and inspiring people I have had the pleasure of meeting during my career and who have made me feel very lucky in my job. »We wish this great connoisseur of comics to find a new profitable and quality path.

We are not surprised by this “degreasing” logic of the CBBD which corresponds to this period of lean cows. As we have explained, the Center is very dependent on its attendance and this beautiful Art Nouveau setting designed by the Belgian architect Victor Horta, a monument in itself, owned by the Belgian State and managed by an ASBL (translation for the French: association Loi 1901), imposes … costly constraints.

Photo: VisitBrussels – Rights reserved.

With attendance down by -70%, despite the fact that, since last December, the museum remains open (unlike the situation in France), it is not easy to get by and the help of the State no longer follow since the museum has reopened. These dismissal decisions are therefore not taken with a gaiety of heart.

It remains that with the retirement of Jean-Claude de la Royère (who occasionally continues to work for the Center) and that of Willem De Graeve, it is the best comic book connoisseurs of the house who are leaving. An artistic and managerial reorientation of the Center is at work. What does it have in store for us? The future – when we are rid of the Covid – will surely tell us. The institution expects a return to normal for 2022. Hoping that it holds until then …

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