Eveline Traen about her experiences with CUBO
Interview by Kenneth Masselis
Combining culture with a busy family life? It’s possible! Eveline Traen (35) is an engineer-architect and mother of two young children. She shares how CUBO helps her to give culture a permanent place in her life. From surprising performances to enjoyable family outings: for Eveline, CUBO is more than a subscription; it’s a way to enjoy and discover.
How did culture come into your life?
"I am from Ypres. My interest in circus and (street) theater has only grown due to the annual international festival 'Gevleugelde Stad'. I can't sit still and am always looking for a meaningful way to fill my free time. When my partner and I moved to Kortrijk, we discovered the local cultural offerings together. At the beginning of the season, we would browse through the cultural programs of the theater and art center BUDA to choose which performances we wanted to see. We would then immediately book all our tickets for the entire season."
From single tickets to CUBO duo
"With single tickets, things sometimes went wrong: no good seats left, completely sold out, or just forgetting to book. When CUBO came along, it was a breath of fresh air. One subscription, one price, and you choose from a wide range. No more hassle. For us, it was a logical step: we were already going to the theater and movies often, so why not? We immediately opted for a CUBO duo."
What makes CUBO special for you?
"For me, CUBO is three things: broadening, innovative, and relaxing. You discover performances that you would never see otherwise. I remember several performances that I would never have booked without CUBO. Thanks to the subscription, you dare to experiment. You think, 'If it's not for me, too bad, but I have nothing to lose.' And I must admit: I am rarely disappointed.
Financially, it's also a big plus. You hesitate less to try something unknown when you're not paying per ticket.
Moreover, the film offerings make CUBO super accessible: cinema is for everyone."
Has CUBO influenced your way of experiencing culture?
"Definitely. As mentioned, I experiment even more now. In the beginning – when we didn't have children yet – my partner and I attended all performances together with the CUBO duo subscription. But now, with two young children, that's no longer straightforward. So I often go alone, but that doesn't bother me.
I also appreciate CUBO's family offerings. I regularly take my oldest child to a family performance. It's wonderful to see how your child enjoys it. That makes me instantly happy. And those CineMAATjes with craft corners? Amazing! You combine a film with a creative activity. That makes it really accessible for families. I now also use my CUBO more for a mother-son moment. That's why I'm already looking forward to Spinrag. It will undoubtedly be a week of enjoying together."
Any suggestions for the future?
"Reaching a younger audience with CUBO remains a challenge, while there is a lot of potential there. Claim your place within leisure experiences. Try to break into the regular leisure activities of (young) families. Maybe it helps to offer certain performances at fixed times? For example, a family-friendly performance every first Sunday of the month. This way, everyone can plan it well in advance in their busy schedules. And why not provide a babysitting service for certain performances? Parents can enjoy a show carefree while the children are in good hands. Furthermore, I would look for more total experiences for families, like the CineMAATjes with craft corners you currently have. You enjoy a film, and before and after, the kids can also express themselves creatively.
Bundle this child-friendly offering in a flyer and distribute it in places where many young families come, such as daycare centers, schools, indoor play areas, etc. This way, you reach a broader, younger audience."
Finally: what are you looking forward to this season?
"There are still many performances on the program that I am looking forward to. If I had to choose a few, I would say: ‘Carnaval des Animaux during Spinrag, Pieter Verelst and Luanda & Pablo Casella with ‘Trouble Score’.
”I love to be surprised. For me, culture is pure relaxation. You step in without expectations and come out with an experience you didn't see coming. That's the beauty of CUBO."