Belgium

Paul Dujardin is a prominent leader in European civil society. He currently serves as Commissioner-General for Heritage at the Brussels Capital Region, spearheading the Art Nouveau Season. Over the past two years, he has been Chief Project Director for the bicentennial commemorations of “Belgium 2030” and developed a master plan for the renovation of the Cinquantenaire-Jubelpark Site, home to Federal Museums and Conservation & Science Institutes (KIK-IRPA). This historic site aims to become a European Campus for Culture and Science, integrated into a Brussels Cultural Mile within the European District.
From 2001 to 2021, Dujardin was the CEO and Artistic Director of the Centre for Fine Arts Brussels (BOZAR). Under his leadership, BOZAR became a globally recognized multidisciplinary hub aligned with the ideals of the New European Bauhaus. In 2019 alone, BOZAR collaborated with over 1,000 partners worldwide, led 15 active EU projects, and operated in 100 countries. Pre-COVID, its annual budget reached €40 million. BOZAR attracted over 1.4 million visitors annually, serving as a vital cultural and diplomatic nexus in the EU.
Dujardin expanded BOZAR’s activities through an intersectoral approach integrating arts, science, and technology, with a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to maximize social impact. BOZAR’s numerous exhibitions, festivals, and hybrid events became a model for social cohesion and contemporary cultural discourse. Over two decades, more than 100 internationally acclaimed exhibitions were produced under his guidance.
Since 2016, Dujardin has advised the EU on cultural diplomacy strategies and co-authored initiatives like the “New Narrative for Europe” (2013–2018). His work bridges policymaking, societal issues, and the arts, collaborating with leading scientists, artists, and politicians.
Beyond BOZAR, Dujardin has held numerous leadership roles, including Founder and CEO of Ars Musica, General Manager of the Brussels Philharmonic Society, Co-Administrator of the Belgian National Orchestra, President of the International Music Council – UNESCO (2013–2023), and President of Europa Nostra Belgium (since 2018).
He holds master’s degrees in Art History, Archaeology & Musicology (VUB, 1986) and Management (VLEKHO, 1987).