Lokroep vzw is a laid-back arts collective dedicated to fostering a warm and inclusive cultural and community experience in Mechelen. Eight young people from Mechelen felt that their city had a lot to offer, but noticed that many of their peers were looking for opportunities elsewhere.

That observation led to the creation of Lokroep: we want to lure young creators from Mechelen back to their hometown, while also offering a platform to talent from other cities. In this way, we broaden the cultural offerings for both young and old, and we aim to create space for experimentation.

Our mission is threefold. First, we offer creators a platform to showcase their work and provide support. Second, we bring cultural events to Mechelen to breathe new cultural life into the city. Third, we connect other collectives and institutions in Mechelen with one another. We believe that a stronger network and greater cohesion contribute to a better city and give rise to unexpected collaborations. That’s why we stay in touch with various creators and collectives, hold open meetings to gauge where the needs lie, and create events together with them.