Melat Gebeyaw Nigussie has announced that the 2026–2027 season will be her final year as Artistic and Managing Director of Beursschouwburg.

After years of dedicated leadership and close collaboration with the team, artists, partners, and audiences, she reflects on a period defined by inspiring trajectories, artistic renewal, and meaningful exchanges. Under her direction, Beursschouwburg has continued to grow as an open platform for experimentation, critical reflection, and urban cultural dynamics.

The decision to conclude her mandate at the end of the 2026–2027 season was reached in constructive dialogue with the Board of Directors. While preparing the organisation’s new policy plan, it became clear that the next phase in Beursschouwburg’s development represents a moment of transition and renewal. Melat has therefore chosen to create space for new leadership, allowing an incoming director to take ownership of this next chapter from the very beginning.

This will enable the future director to actively shape the 2028–2032 policy period and help define the organisation’s long-term strategic direction. The Board of Directors will soon initiate the procedure to appoint her successor.

Until her departure, Melat Gebeyaw Nigussie will remain fully committed to ongoing projects and to delivering the 2026–2027 season. Together with the team and the Board, she looks forward to making this final year especially meaningful and impactful.

For interview requests or additional information:
​Mélissa Boneté
​Press Officer
​Beursschouwburg
​+32 472 81 73 13
​press@beursschouwburg.be