Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
   Yesterday, Saturday, the eighth edition of the "Crystal Ship" festival was launched in the coastal city of Ostend in Belgium, with the works of artists called "street artists", who paint their paintings on the walls and implement other artworks such as sculptures and others.
   This year's edition witnessed the addition of twenty new murals to the city and three new works by the British artist Mobstr. Jaune, one of the most famous Brussels artists, also painted on 10 walls.
During the festival, a variety of artworks by artists from Belgium and other countries from around the world can be recognized through an open exhibition that forms a large road through the city.

Many artists have drawn inspiration from the city's history. French artist Julien de Casabianca found inspiration for his work in the archives of the Mu.ZEE Museum of Art. American artist Pat Perry notes that he was inspired by coastal tourism for his work.
"These artworks make art accessible to everyone, and nearly 200 works are scattered throughout the city," the city's mayor, Bart Tomlin, said at the opening ceremony.
In 2016, the Crystal berthed in Ostend for the first time. Since then, the festival has transformed this coastal town into the largest open-air fair in Belgium, with the help of dozens of famous street performers.
Over the past five years, world-famous names such as Axel Void (USA), Paola Delfín (Mexico), Escif (ES), Miss Van (FR), Sebas Velasco (ES), Elian (AR), Wasted Rita ( PT). But of course there was also room for national champions like Roa, Jaune and Strook.

Not only have they covered the city in layers of paint and put up gorgeous murals just about everywhere, but they've also erected equally stunning sculptures and installations in various places - everything you wouldn't expect to encounter at a popular seaside resort. But Ostend is of course more than that. It's a bustling city by the sea, and this is further emphasized - both literally and figuratively - by groundbreaking arts festivals such as The Crystal Ship.