De Markten
De Markten is a non-profit community center in central Brussels, part of the N22 network of 22 VGC-funded Flemish centers, offering cultural activities, courses, venue rentals, school programming, and neighborhood outreach to local residents, children, schools, associations, and artists.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersBrussels, Belgium
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What De Markten does
De Markten (legal name: Gemeenschapscentrum De Markten vzw) is a non-profit community center operating at Oude Graanmarkt 5 in the Brussels Pentagon area. It is one of 22 community centers in the N22 Brusselse gemeenschapscentra network, funded and governed by the Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC), a Flemish government body. The organization delivers cultural, educational, and social programming to Brussels residents — a population that includes Dutch-speaking Brussels residents, Flemish people, and 185 other nationalities. Core service lines are: (1) venue rental across six named spaces (Spiegelzaal, Middenzolder, Achterzolder, Studio, Zwevende Zaal, Keuken) accommodating 5 to 120 persons for organizations and individuals; (2) Activiteiten en Cursussen — a program of cultural, sports, and educational courses and workshops for ages 4-99; (3) De Vijfhoek, a bimonthly magazine covering city life; (4) SchoolpodiumNoord, cultural programming for kindergarten through secondary schools delivered jointly with five other community centers; (5) Buurtwerking neighborhood outreach including De Woensdagen, Broodnodig, Minimarket, and the annual Nomadic festival; (6) artist residencies including the Brussels Bijoux program; (7) Café De Markten hospitality; (8) free Study Spaces (Brik) for higher-education students; and (9) the Paspartoe kansentarief reduced-cost access program for financially vulnerable residents.
The technology surface is minimal and shared: enrollment and payment processing run on the VGC-operated tickets.vgc.be platform (Bancontact, Visa, Mastercard), web analytics via Google Analytics, and embedded YouTube and Vimeo players. There is no proprietary technology product, no API offering, and no mobile application. The organization uses standard content channels — its website, the print and digital De Vijfhoek magazine, email newsletter, and Facebook/Instagram (operated under a conscious-use charter) — alongside community outreach via neighborhood programs and word-of-mouth. The website is on the VGC source code and is audited against WCAG 2.2 AA accessibility standards; an internal June 2026 audit identified ongoing accessibility gaps.
Revenue is primarily public: government appropriations from VGC form the base, supplemented by activity and course fees (with Paspartoe discounts), room rental income, a EUR 12.50/year out-of-Brussels subscription to De Vijfhoek, and catering revenue routed through a partnership with Groot Eiland vzw (a social-economy organization providing employment pathways). Headcount is 1-10 employees. There is no private ownership, no funding rounds, no subsidiaries, and no M&A activity. Operating geographies are limited to Brussels and the Flemish Community in Belgium.
De Markten firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- De Markten
- Legal name
- Gemeenschapscentrum De Markten vzw
- Website
- https://demarkten.be
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- De Markten is a non-profit community center in central Brussels, part of the N22 network of 22 VGC-funded Flemish centers, offering cultural activities, courses, venue rentals, school programming, and neighborhood outreach to local residents, children, schools, associations, and artists.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
De Markten industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Community Center Services
- NAICS
- Civic and Social Organizations (813410)
- SIC
- Services-Social Services (8300)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music) (BPAGAHAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAJ), Art Galleries & Exhibition Spaces (Commercial & Nonprofit) (THAJADAH)
Keywords
Where De Markten is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Brussels
- HQ country
- Belgium
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
De Markten business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Public funding from Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC): As a community center under the Flemish Community Commission (VGC), primary funding comes from public government funding. Part of the N22 network of 22 Brussels community centers.
- Activity fees and course enrollment: Revenue from paid activities, courses and workshops with standard rates and reduced Paspartoe (kansentarief) rates for financially vulnerable participants. Enrollment via tickets.vgc.be.
- Room/s hall rental: Rental of rooms and halls to social-cultural organizations, associations, and private individuals. Available spaces range from 10 to 120 persons with various room types including ateliers, party halls, meeting rooms, projection rooms, rehearsal spaces, exhibition spaces, and theater/concert halls.
- Magazine subscription: De Vijfhoek bimonthly magazine offered free to Brussels residents, with annual subscription fee of EUR 12.50 for those outside Brussels.
- Catering services via partner: Catering collaboration with Groot Eiland for events, activities and meetings. Broodjeslunch (sandwich lunch), warm meals, breakfast, reception snacks and buffets available.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | One time | Standard rate for play weeks |
| Subscription | Annual | De Vijfhoek magazine subscription |
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Room rental rates |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
De Markten product offering
Product offeringCore offering
De Markten is a nonprofit community center (gemeenschapscentrum) in central Brussels that provides cultural activities, courses, workshops, sports programs, exhibitions, and artistic performances for all ages. It also rents out rooms and halls to organizations and private individuals, publishes the bimonthly magazine De Vijfhoek, and runs neighborhood outreach programs, artist residencies, and school cultural programming.
Product overview
De Markten (GC De Markten) is a community center (gemeenschapscentrum) in central Brussels, part of the N22 network of 22 Brussels community centers under the Flemish Community Commission (VGC). It operates as a multi-service community hub offering cultural activities, courses and workshops, venue rentals, and educational programs. The core offerings include: (1) Zaalgebruik — venue rental of 6 distinct spaces (Spiegelzaal, Middenzolder, Achterzolder, Studio, Zwevende Zaal, Keuken) accommodating 5 to 120 persons; (2) Activiteiten en Cursussen — a broad program of cultural, sports, and educational activities for all ages, provided free or at subsidized rates; (3) De Vijfhoek — a bimonthly magazine covering Brussels urban life; (4) SchoolpodiumNoord — cultural programming for schools; (5) Buurtwerking — neighborhood outreach and community events; and (6) Residenties — artist residencies. Access to paid activities is facilitated through tickets.vgc.be, and reduced-cost participation is enabled via the Paspartoe kansentarief program. Catering for events is provided through partnership with Groot Eiland vzw.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Zaalgebruik (Venue Rental) Rental of meeting rooms, event spaces, ateliers, party halls, rehearsal spaces, exhibition spaces, and theater/concert halls for social-cultural organizations, associations, and private individuals. Spaces range from 4 to 120 persons and include the Spiegelzaal, Middenzolder, Achterzolder, Studio, Zwevende Zaal, and Keuken.
- Activiteiten en Cursussen (Activities and Courses) Cultural, educational, and recreational programs including courses, workshops, sports, exhibitions, lectures, and podium/film events for children, youth, and adults. Categories include Cursussen & workshops, Kinderen & jongeren, Tentoonstellingen, Lezing & gesprek, Podium & film, and Sport. Activities are provided free or at democratic rates with Paspartoe reductions.
- De Vijfhoek Magazine Bimonthly magazine of De Markten covering facets of Brussels city life, reporting on successes and problems in Brussels society, and featuring interviews with residents. Available free to Brussels residents; mailed to subscribers for EUR 12.50/year outside Brussels.
- SchoolpodiumNoord Cultural programming for schools during school hours, directing kindergarten, primary, and secondary school children toward theater, dance, film, music performances, and art education workshops with teaching materials. A collaboration with GC De Kriekelaar, De Linde, Ten Noey, Everna, and Nohva.
- Buurtwerking (Neighborhood Programs) Community outreach initiatives including De Woensdagen (free coffee/tea outdoors), Broodnodig (fresh bread distribution), and the annual cooperative festival Nomadic, plus the weekly Minimarket. Activities take place outside the center in the neighborhood.
- Residenties (Artist Residencies) Artist residency program providing space and support for creative talent to develop projects, including the Brussels Bijoux creative talent program which selected four creative talents in its fourth edition in February 2026.
- Catering (via Groot Eiland) Catering services for events, activities, and meetings provided in partnership with Groot Eiland vzw. Services include sandwich lunches (broodjeslunch), warm meals, breakfast, reception snacks, and buffets. Groot Eiland also offers work experience for people distanced from the labor market.
- Café De Markten Hospitality café operated within the community center, open daily including holidays. An open call for a new operator was launched on 6 May 2026 for the operation period 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2033.
- Study Spaces (Brik) Free study spaces for higher education students during exam periods, provided in collaboration with other Brussels community centers as part of the Brik initiative. Reopened for exam periods, as announced on 11 May 2026.
- Speelweken (Play Weeks) Holiday play weeks for children aged 4-6, including themed programs such as Het Knotsgekke Monsterlab and Creatief geluidsatelier SONOREILLE. Pricing: EUR 80 per child (EUR 15 with Paspartoe kansentarief).
Companies that use De Markten
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
De Markten technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration4 records
De Markten partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Six partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- Social Media Charter signatories (Everna, De Linde, De Maalbeek, Nekkersdal, Op-Weule, De Platoo, Ten Noey, De Rinck, Nohva, Elzenhof, Essegem, Kontakt, Pianofabriek)minorCharter signed by 13 Brussels community centers committing to more conscious social media use, no paid advertising on Meta platforms, and guiding followers to alternative communication channels. Addresses concerns about algorithm-driven polarization on commercial platforms.
- N22 Brusselse gemeenschapscentracoreN22 is the network of 22 Flemish community centers in Brussels. De Markten is one of these 22 centers, sharing resources, programming and coordination through the N22 umbrella organization. The network provides support services including a shared ticketing platform (tickets.vgc.be) and room overview.
- SchoolpodiumNoordcoreCollaboration with GC's De Kriekelaar, De Linde, Ten Noey, Everna, De Markten and Nohva to provide cultural programming for schools (kindergarten, primary and secondary) during school hours. Includes theater, dance, film, music performances and art-educational workshops with teaching materials.
- Groot EilandcoreCatering partnership for events, activities and meetings. Groot Eiland provides sandwich lunches, warm meals, breakfast, reception snacks and buffets. Groot Eiland also offers work experience for people distant from the labor market.
- Vrouwxnlente (Brusselse gemeenschapscentra)minorAnnual city-wide festival around women's rights organized collaboratively by Brussels community centers. De Markten participates in bringing stories from neighborhoods together through debates, film screenings, workshops, concerts and meetings.
- Nasci vzw, Arlette, SportswitchminorThree organizations working on poverty reduction, support for young families and sustainability in Brussels. They organized a collection campaign in 17 Brussels community centers under the 'Maak ruimte vrij' initiative.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
De Markten competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- BOZAR (Centre for Fine Arts Brussels): Major Brussels arts center hosting concerts, exhibitions, and festivals. While operating at larger scale with broader programming, BOZAR shares De Markten's mission of providing cultural programming to diverse Brussels audiences and overlaps in exhibition and performance venues.
- KVS (Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg): Flemish theater in central Brussels presenting performing arts and cultural programming. Comparable in hosting theater, dance, and music performances for diverse Brussels audiences, though operating at significantly larger scale than De Markten.
- Flagey: Brussels cultural institution in Ixelles presenting music, cinema, and exhibitions across multiple performance spaces. Comparable to De Markten in operating a multi-space cultural venue with diverse programming targeting Brussels residents.
Direct peers
- GC De Kriekelaar: Brussels community center (Schaarbeek) and fellow N22 network member that co-operates SchoolpodiumNoord with De Markten. Provides directly comparable cultural, educational, and community programming under the same VGC funding framework.
- Beursschouwburg: Brussels performing arts and cultural venue presenting theater, dance, music, and film alongside community-facing programming. Comparable to De Markten in offering mixed performing arts and civic engagement programming for diverse Brussels audiences.
- Pianofabriek: Brussels community center (gemeenschapscentrum) and member of the N22 network serving Saint-Josse-ten-Noode. Operates as a multi-service cultural venue with comparable programming, ticketing integration, and VGC funding model, making it the closest operational peer to De Markten.
- GC De Linde: Brussels community center and N22 network peer that collaborates with De Markten on SchoolpodiumNoord cultural programming for schools. Offers similar community programming under the VGC framework with comparable operating model.
- GC Elzenhof: Brussels community center in Elsene and N22 network member. Operates with comparable VGC funding, multi-space venue rental, and mixed cultural/educational programming targeting diverse Brussels neighborhoods.
Market position
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
De Markten social profiles
Digital presenceDe Markten compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
De Markten financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
De Markten leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
De Markten funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
De Markten M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about De Markten
What does De Markten do?
De Markten is a nonprofit community center (gemeenschapscentrum) in central Brussels that provides cultural activities, courses, workshops, sports programs, exhibitions, and artistic performances for all ages. It also rents out rooms and halls to organizations and private individuals, publishes the bimonthly magazine De Vijfhoek, and runs neighborhood outreach programs, artist residencies, and school cultural programming.
Is De Markten a public or private company?
De Markten is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was De Markten founded?
De Markten was founded in -1. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is De Markten based?
De Markten is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, in the Europe region.
How does De Markten make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Public funding from Vlaamse Gemeenschapscommissie (VGC) is the primary driver. The others are activity fees and course enrollment, room/s hall rental, magazine subscription and catering services via partner.
Who are De Markten's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are BOZAR (Centre for Fine Arts Brussels), KVS (Koninklijke Vlaamse Schouwburg) and Flagey. Direct peers are GC De Kriekelaar, Beursschouwburg, Pianofabriek, GC De Linde and GC Elzenhof.
Does De Markten have an API?
No public API is recorded for De Markten.
What industry is De Markten in?
De Markten's product category is Community Center Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAGAHAB, Performing Arts Organizations (Theater, Dance, Opera, Music), with a secondary code of BPAGADAJ, Arts, Sports & Recreation-Based Youth Development Nonprofits. Its NAICS code is 813410 and its SIC code is 8300.