History and legacy

This ongoing evolution builds on a legacy of more than 40 years. Trans Europe Halles began in March 1983, when Les Halles de Schaerbeek in Brussels hosted a three-day forum bringing together independent cultural spaces reclaiming industrial buildings across Europe. Seven centres from seven European cities took part in this initial meeting that gave birth to Trans Europe Halles: Les Halles de Schaerbeek (Brussels, Belgium), Huset (Copenhagen, Denmark), Kultur Fabrik (Koblenz, Germany), Melkweg (Amsterdam, The Netherlands), Ny Scen (Gothenburg, Sweden), Pali Kao (Paris, France), and Rote Fabrik (Zürich, Switzerland).

After this initial meeting, delegates from these centres chose to continue meeting regularly, creating a network of mutual support and collaboration that would allow them to share experiences, develop new ways of working, and collectively shape the future of independent cultural spaces in Europe. What started as an exchange of ideas became Trans Europe Halles: one of the most powerful cultural networks in Europe, driving radical change and proving that culture can transform cities and communities.

This ongoing evolution builds on a legacy of more than 40 years - proof that culture can transform cities and communities.