#11 Asian Persuasion | Bruges 2026 Recap
On May 16th, we gathered in the beautiful city of Bruges to celebrate Asian creativity, culture and community. And what a day it was.
After a week of relentless rain, the universe seemed to align just for us: the sun came out on our day. As if the sky itself wanted to join the celebration.
Outside: where community begins
The afternoon started on the grounds on Kruisvest, with a free outdoor programme open to everyone. The Nepali and Tibetan communities took the stage with their traditional dances and the workshops buzzed with energy. Smiling faces everywhere. This was Asian Persuasion at its heart: warm, welcoming and alive.
[Read more below]
Photos by Benina Hu
Inside: the main event
Then spectacle moved inside the iconic Spiegeltent. And let us just say that we were sold out. Again. For the fourth time. :)
People were turned away at the door (please, please buy your tickets in advance! We told you :p). But those who made it in were in for a treat.
Joni Sheila hosted the evening with grace and power, warming up the crowd between acts while keeping the conversation alive about Asian representation in the arts. Her voice set the tone for everything that followed.
Then came the performances:
MAGIC MARK (illusionist)
YOSHITAKA SUZUKI (samurai dance)
POLE DANCE TWINS (pole dance)
SERCHMAA BAYARSAIKHAN (contortionist)
NICO CHANH & ELISE (martial dance)
MITSUNE (psychedellic fusion folk)
[Read more below]
Photos by Benina Hu
Built Together
Asian Persuasion has always been a community-rooted project. We do this out of passion, care and love for our cultures and each other.
This edition proved it once more. Thanks to our incredible crew and volunteers who made the day run smoothly, to our artists who poured their hearts into every performance. And a big thanks to Cultuurcentrum Brugge for welcoming us to take over their Mirage festival for a day.
We couldn't do this without you. Truly.
What's Next
We're catching our breath (we need it), but we're not done. Our next edition will be November 21st in Brussels.
In the meantime, we'll still have collaborations with other organisations and a community day coming up. Stay tuned and sign up to our newsletter for updates.
Thank you. See you soon.
With love,
Team Asian Persuasion
