Art sector warns of “clear illegal actions” in museum shake-up
Prominent figures from Belgium’s art sector have spoken out against what they call an “arbitrary reshaping” of the museum landscape. A legal review commissioned by the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) says the policy plan of Flemish culture minister Caroline Gennez contains “clear and serious legal flaws”.
M HKA has been worried about its future for months. Plans for a new building were cancelled, and there were fears that much of its collection could be moved to Ghent. In response, the museum asked law firm Allen & Overy to assess the situation.
According to the lawyers, the minister’s approach is unlawful. They say basic principles of good governance have been breached, trust has been damaged, and artists’ rights may have been violated. The museum says it was not involved in the discussions leading up to the policy note, which was presented in early October and would significantly change M HKA’s role.
Museum leaders warn that the Flemish government is treating a “concept note” as if it contains final decisions. They fear this creates legal uncertainty, not just for M HKA but for other museums too, and could harm Belgium’s international reputation in the arts.
Artists Rinus Van de Velde and Luc Tuymans addressed the press in Antwerp, criticising the lack of consultation. Van de Velde said art should not be centralised and that diversity is essential. Tuymans warned that top-down decisions, such as moving collections, are unacceptable.
M HKA is asking the government to pause and rethink its plans, and to hold a new parliamentary hearing. The museum says there is still time to change course and secure the future of its collection of 7,723 works, while continuing to work constructively with politicians.
The issue will be discussed later this week in the Flemish parliament and government.
#FlandersNewsService | Employees of MuHKA organizing a protest action at the Museum of Contemporary Art, MHKA, in Antwerp © BELGA PHOTO TIJS VANDERSTAPPEN