Call for applications — Management of the Varia bar-restaurant, Theatre and Studio (Brussels)

The team at Varia Théâtre et Studio — the performing arts centre of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, a venue for creation, encounters and inspiration dedicated to contemporary theatre forms and supporting creative work — is launching a call for proposals to select the operator who will design and manage the two bars at the Studio and the Theatre.

We are looking for a flexible, reliable and innovative partner to provide a welcoming venue and an offering accessible to all our audiences: theatregoers, artists, theatre staff, community groups and school groups, in harmony with Varia’s artistic ethos.

Le Varia, Théâtre et Studio, operates across two venues: the Studio, located at 154 Rue Gray, with a 120-seat auditorium, and the Théâtre, at 78 Rue du Sceptre, with a 280-seat auditorium. The Theatre bar, at 78 Rue du Sceptre in Ixelles, covers an area of 180 square metres. The Studio bar, at 154 Rue Gray in Ixelles, covers an area of 50 square metres.

Bar opening hours

The bar is open every evening when there are performances or activities at Varia, Théâtre and Studio, based on a schedule provided to the operator at mutually agreed intervals.

For performances during
the 2026–2027 season, Varia is open for 56 days at the Studio and 78 days at the theatre, from September to June. These evenings are spread across the two venues. In addition to this, there are 10 days of festivals (Kunstenfestivaldesarts, Métamorphose, etc.) and, in the long term, around ten days of hire per year.

Estimated opening hours: 5pm – 1am

The precise timings for these services will be agreed between Varia and the operator.

Snacks, catering and events

The light refreshments offered to the public in the evenings should be based on a menu featuring simple, healthy and affordable options.

Outside of performances, as part of its regular activities or during one-off bookings of the spaces, Varia, Theatre and Studio, undertakes to give priority to the operator for the organisation of receptions held in its spaces (premiere parties, staff meals, conferences, receptions, etc.), as well as catering for the artistic and technical teams hosted at Varia.

The operator will propose offers tailored to the specific requirements of each request (receptions, catering packages for artists, team meals, etc.), taking into account budgetary expectations, product quality and the variety of options available.

For events organised by Varia, Théâtre et Studio (buffets, receptions, drinks receptions, dinners, etc.), the operator’s services will be invoiced separately, payable by Varia on a monthly basis.

Prices and drinks menu

The operator shall provide a drinks menu, a selection of non-alcoholic drinks and light refreshments within a price range to be agreed in advance with Varia, taking into account the diversity of its audiences.

Varia staff, whether permanent or casual, will benefit from a reduced rate for the bar and light refreshments. Varia will keep the operator informed of the updated list of casual staff.

Equipment and furniture

The bar and restaurant are equipped with the professional equipment necessary for their operation (kitchen equipment, bar fridges).
A detailed inventory will be attached to the contract. This equipment is maintained by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

The movable furniture (tables and chairs) belongs to Varia.

Status and use of the premises

The operator acts as an independent trader, both in relation to Varia and to the clientele.

The operator may also use the premises for other activities (such as parties and events not included in the programme), subject to prior consultation with the Varia management committee and separate invoicing for the use of the spaces.

Noise pollution

Generally speaking, the operation of the bar and restaurant, including food preparation activities, must under no circumstances cause disruption to Varia’s theatrical activities in general, and more specifically to rehearsals and performances. Under no circumstances must noise generated by the activities of the bar and/or kitchen be audible in the performance halls.

Staff management

The operator is responsible for the recruitment, management and supervision of all staff necessary for the smooth running of the bar-restaurant.
They shall be solely responsible, to the full exclusion of Théâtre Varia, for the payment of wages as well as all mandatory social security and tax contributions.

Théâtre Varia wishes to promote the employment of people in specific circumstances (minorities, socio-professional reintegration, regularisation, etc.) and undertakes to provide administrative support to the operator in such matters.

Insurance

The operator is required to take out all compulsory insurance covering their staff.
They must also take out public liability insurance for the venue, to the full extent of Varia’s exemption from liability.

The comprehensive policy covering the risks of fire, water damage and explosion, limited to the first risk, is taken out by the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Financial Conditions

Given the binding nature of this agreement, the concession shall be granted free of charge. The operator must pay the flat-rate rental charges associated with the operation of the bar-restaurant, Theatre and Studio. Rental charges (water, gas, electricity, heating, Sabam, maintenance, etc.) are currently estimated at €500 per month, payable from September to June.

Conditions for responding to the call

Viewings can be arranged on request by contacting Nathalie Walgraffe, info@varia.be, during the theatre’s opening hours.
The contract will commence on 17 August 2026 for a period of one year.

Applicants are invited to submit an application comprising:

A presentation of the project leader,
A statement of intent (vision, hospitality concept),
A description of the proposed offering (bar, light refreshments, opening hours),
Any relevant references or experience.

Application deadline: 7 April

Applications should be sent to: info@varia.be

Interviews scheduled between 7 and 10 April 2026.