Flemish museum reform put on hold after protests
Plans to radically reshape Flanders’ museum landscape have been paused after strong criticism from leading museums, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp (KMSKA).
Flemish Culture minister Caroline Gennez wants to reduce fragmentation and competition between museums by encouraging closer cooperation. Her plan would group museums into clusters led by major institutions, each acting as a central “beacon”.
However, several museums say the proposal does not reflect their concerns. The KMSKA has been particularly outspoken, arguing that the plan limits its role and threatens its identity. The museum says it should remain a place where historic and contemporary art coexist, rather than being placed in a narrow “fine arts” category.
After talks with the minister, an updated proposal was put forward, but the KMSKA said it still failed to address key issues. The museum asked Gennez not to put the plan on the Flemish government’s agenda this week, to allow more time for discussion. The minister agreed.
KMSKA chair Luk Lemmens said he was pleased there would be further talks, but declined to comment on details. Gennez welcomed what she called an “outstretched hand” from the museums. She said the shared goal is to help Flemish museums compete internationally by working better together.
The plans have also faced criticism from the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA) and from arts organisations, some of which have threatened legal action over a lack of consultation.
For now, the proposed reform has been delayed. Further negotiations with museums and other stakeholders are expected in the coming weeks.
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS