About the Project
VIVA is dedicated to giving children and young people the opportunity to discover, experience, and grow through music. Its mission goes beyond nurturing future musicians; it creates meaningful musical experiences that inspire confidence, connection, and creativity.
Founded two years ago by BRYGGEN and JOWest, together with their founders Jolente De Maeyer and Dirk Lievens, VIVA brings together expertise from higher music education, the professional concert world, and a strong network of Belgian music academies and youth initiatives. This unique collaboration allows VIVA to make classical music accessible to a wide and diverse audience.
In just two years, VIVA has reached more than 2,000 children and young people through workshops, summer camps, concerts, and its annual VIVA Feest! at Concertgebouw Bruges. Its activities take place in music academies, mainstream primary schools, and schools for children with special needs, ensuring that music reaches those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to engage with it. A powerful highlight was VIVA’s 2024 collaboration with the European Academy of Childhood Disability, during which hundreds of children with disabilities performed on the main stage at Concertgebouw Bruges.
Through participatory workshops, summer camps, and large-scale events, VIVA helps children develop social, emotional, and creative skills while building confidence and fostering lasting connections. In doing so, VIVA creates a strong foundation for their future, both in music and beyond.
