| School | City |
|---|---|
| Howest University of Applied Sciences | Kortrijk |
| LUCA School of Arts | Brussels and Genk |
| Haute École Albert Jacquard | Namur |
| École nationale supérieure des arts visuels | La Cambre and Brussels |
Belgium has established itself as a significant player in the European animation industry, characterized by a rich history, a cluster of dynamic studios, and a supportive environment for both production and exhibition.
Industry Overview
The Belgian animation sector has experienced notable growth in recent years. As of 2024, the Film, Video & Television Programme Post-Production industry in Belgium comprises 559 businesses, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.3% since 2019. The market size has been expanding at a CAGR of 9.9% over the same period, indicating a robust and thriving industry.
Key Animation Studios
Belgium is home to a variety of animation studios known for their creativity and technical expertise. Notable examples include:
Brussels Animation Valley
A notable concentration of animation studios and production companies is located along the canal in the Brussels-Capital Region, an area dubbed the "Brussels Animation Valley." This cluster includes studios such as Carbone 14, Enclume Animation Studio, Mac Guff Belgium, Miyu Productions BE, nWave, Panique!, Squarefish, Studio Souza, The Pack, and Walking The Dog. The region benefits from support by screen.brussels, which invested €838,000 in 2024 into five animated features and one series, underscoring the area's commitment to fostering animation projects.
Anima Festival
Anima, the Brussels International Animation Film Festival, is a cornerstone event for the Belgian animation community. The 2025 edition took place from February 28 to March 9, showcasing over 150 films across more than 100 screenings. The festival serves as a platform for both established and emerging talents, offering workshops, masterclasses, and networking opportunities.
Educational and Professional Development
Belgium's commitment to animation extends to education and professional development. Events like Cartoon Business, held in Brussels from November 18 to 20, 2024, focus on the evolving business models of the animation industry, addressing topics such as new technologies and ecological awareness.
Conclusion
Belgium's animation scene is a vibrant ecosystem marked by a blend of historical depth and contemporary innovation. With a supportive infrastructure, a cluster of dynamic studios, and events like the Anima Festival, the country continues to make significant contributions to the global animation industry.
What are Belgium's animation college options?
Belgium offers a variety of esteemed institutions for students aspiring to pursue studies in animation. Below is a selection of notable programs:
Howest University of Applied Sciences (Kortrijk) - Bachelor in Digital Arts and Entertainment (DAE): This internationally recognized program provides specializations in Game Development, Game Graphics Production, Independent Game Production, 3D Production & VFX, 3D Animation, and Sound Design. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills and industry relevance.
LUCA School of Arts (Brussels and Genk) - Master in Animation Film (Brussels Campus Sint-Lukas): A one-year, full-time arts education program aimed at developing independent and professional animation filmmakers. The course focuses on both the artistic and technical aspects of animation. RE:ANIMA International Master: A collaborative two-year master's program offered jointly with Aalto University (Finland) and Lusófona University (Portugal). This program explores various fields of animation, from fiction narrative to documentary and experimental uses.
Haute École Albert Jacquard (Namur) - Bachelor in 2D Animation & Digital Illustration: This program focuses on both digital and traditional animation techniques, encouraging students to develop a versatile skill set. The curriculum includes workshops, collaborative projects, and a three-month internship in the final year. Bachelor in 3D Animation Movies: Emphasizes mastering all phases of animated production, with workshops led by professionals from studios like Pixar, Disney, and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). Students produce solo demo reels and group animated shorts, culminating in a film screening attended by industry professionals.
École nationale supérieure des arts visuels (La Cambre) (Brussels) - Animation Program: Established in 1958, this program emphasizes traditional animation techniques, including drawings on paper, cut-out elements, animated objects, modeling clay, puppets, and pixilation, implemented via contemporary technological means.
Prospective students should consider factors such as course content, faculty expertise, industry connections, language of instruction, and campus facilities when selecting a program. Visiting official university websites and attending open days can provide valuable insights into each program's offerings.
Other Schools to Consider:
