Last week, it was announced that the Flemish government is scrapping the subsidy for a new building for the Antwerp Museum of Contemporary Art, the M HKA. This is part of a broader reorganisation of the entire museum sector, Flemish culture minister Caroline Gennez has now explained.
The Flemish Government has decided thoroughly to reform the landscape of its own museums and the visual arts in Flanders. ‘The reason for this is a recent assessment of the functioning of its own museums and the ambition to encourage more and better cooperation within the sector.’
More cooperation, less fragmentation
‘There is still a lot of growth potential in our visual arts and museums,’ says minister Gennez. ‘We have great assets, but the landscape is fragmented. We are aiming for more content, more ambition, more cooperation between museums, and a better and more logical distribution of the Flemish art collection throughout Flanders.’
In concrete terms, the museums will be reorganised into three clusters, each with a large museum as its beacon.
1. Fine arts: focus on Antwerp
The Royal Museum of Fine Arts KMSKA in Antwerp becomes the beacon of fine arts in Flanders. The Museum Hof van Busleyden in Mechelen and Gaasbeek Castle are being added to the KMSKA cluster.
As an international cultural heritage institution, the KMSKA is the scientific centre for ancient and modern art, presenting the finest works. The collaboration with the Hof van Busleyden Museum and Gaasbeek Castle is a good thing, says Bart Somers (liberal), mayor of Mechelen: ‘The three museums complement each other. This makes it possible to appeal to a larger and more diverse audience.’
2. Contemporary and current arts: focus on Ghent
The biggest change will take place at the museums for contemporary art. The current municipal museum of contemporary art in Ghent (the S.M.A.K) will become the new Flemish museum for contemporary and current arts. The collection and museum operations of the M HKA in Antwerp will be largely transferred to Ghent.
‘We realise that this will require a transition process and financial reinforcement, but we are convinced that it offers enormous potential for the preservation and presentation of the contemporary arts in Flanders,’ says minister Gennez.
The response in Ghent has been enthusiastic. ‘This is fantastic and groundbreaking news,’ says alderman for culture Astrid De Bruycker (socialist). There are plans to expand the museum. Minister Gennez has confirmed that there will be significant investment in infrastructure. We will also maintain the S.M.A.K. brand.”
3. Modern art and Belgian masters (1850-present): focus on Ostend
Mu.ZEE in Ostend will be the third beacon of the Flemish museum landscape, as a ‘safe haven for Belgian masters and modern art’. In addition to the two existing partner institutions – the Permeke Museum in Jabbeke and the Peiremuzee in Knokke – two more museums will be added to this cluster: the Roger Raveel Museum in Zulte and the FeliX Art+Eco Museum in Drogenbos (Flemish Brabant).
What about the M HKA?
The M HKA in Antwerp will lose its museum function and no new construction project will be realised. ‘The M HKA has been struggling with its role as a museum for some time. The recent assessment confirms this once again,’ says minister Gennez.
The M HKA is being given a new role. The existing location will be converted into an arts centre, with space for exhibitions, studios, residencies and workshops. ‘A place where Belgian and international artists from all disciplines are welcome to experiment. A place for exchange, support and dialogue,’ explains Caroline Gennez.
130 million euros had been earmarked for the new M HKA building. That money will now be ‘partly used to support Flemish museums in their transitions and future operations.’
The changes will be introduced gradually and were necessary, says Gennez. ‘Fragmentation and mutual competition hinder cooperation, economies of scale and internationalisation.’
