At the Heart of the Heya Sessions: Patrons and Mentors
When attending a Heya Session, you discover artists, meet people, and experience a unique moment. But there is also an essential presence — sometimes discreet — that helps create this special alchemy: the patrons and mentors.
A role built on connection
The patrons and mentors of the Heya Sessions are not there by chance. Coming from the arts and cultural sector — artists, programmers, journalists, curators, and committed professionals — they bring a perspective, experience, and sensitivity shaped by their practice.
Their role? To create connections.
Between artists and audiences.
Between emerging talent and more established careers.
Between people who might never have met otherwise.
In practical terms, they introduce the evening, support the artists, and help facilitate exchanges. But above all, they shape the atmosphere of each session. Their presence influences the energy, the conversations, and the encounters.
Bridge-makers of encounters
In a sector where approaching others or networking can often feel awkward, patrons and mentors play a key role.
They break the ice.
They open conversations.
They build bridges.
Thanks to them, interactions become more natural, simpler, and more human.
A Heya Session is not an event where people come to “network”. It is a space where connections happen almost effortlessly. And that is precisely where its strength lies.
Those who have already shaped the Heya Sessions
Since the very first editions, several individuals have agreed to take on this role — each bringing their own energy, perspective, and way of being.
Artists, cultural professionals, and engaged contributors: they all share one thing in common.
They have helped shape Heya Sessions into a living, open, and deeply human space:
Jérôme Ramacker, communication consultant, trainer, educator
François-Xavier Kernkamp, co-founder of Capitaine Records, Capitane Coop, and SoundGoku Artists Management
Alexandra Henry, artistic coach, founder of École Libre de l’Humour
Gabriella Marchese, copyright officer at SACD
Piotr Paluch, musician, composer, vocal coach, founder of Abyssin Productions
Rudy Lejeune, co-founder of What the Fun and L’Échappée
Christina Panda Andjelani, co-founder of the Nooba app
Charlotte Maréchal, culture journalist
Anaïs Pirenne, expert at AMPLO
Denis Bogaerts, international relations officer at SABAM and founder of Savannah Artist Management
Victor Lefevre, founder of L’Epicurieuse
Stan Pollet, member of the collective Les Soirées Chantal
Christian Martin, president of PlayRight
Federico Ariu and Raphaël K, founders of the Expressions Mixtes festival
Célyne Bol – Van Corven, cultural action and communication officer at LaScam Belgium
Peppino Capotondi, board member of the Union des Artistes
And for the next ones?
The Heya Sessions continue to evolve through encounters and ideas. And for future editions, one question remains open: who will be the next patrons and mentors?
Perhaps you already have someone in mind. An inspiring person. A meaningful perspective. Someone who enjoys creating connections, sharing, and supporting others.
If so, we would love to hear from you.
Suggest a patron or mentor
You can propose someone in a few lines: why them, what they do, and what they could bring to a Heya Session.
👉 Simply send your suggestion via the contact form or by email at [email protected]
Every suggestion is read with care.
Because Heya Sessions are also built this way: through ideas, intentions, and the people who bring them to life.