AFI warns: Dissolution of M HKA threatens democratic cultural policy in Belgium
8 December 2025 - 10:00 am – Open letter
In an open letter to Culture Minister Caroline Gennez, Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) expresses serious concern over the sudden decision to dissolve the M HKA as a museum and transfer its collection to SMAK in Ghent. AFI argues that this move sets a dangerous precedent for the autonomy of cultural institutions and the protection of artistic freedom in Europe, drawing parallels with Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia, where cultural institutions faced political interference.
AFI urges the Flemish government to immediately halt the planned restructuring—scheduled for presentation on December 15—and engage in open dialogue with the museum and the sector. The core question: How can a democratic country like Belgium allow an internationally respected institution like M HKA to be dismantled without transparency or participation? The future of M HKA is not just a cultural issue, but a democratic litmus test for the protection of cultural heritage and institutional independence.
Read the full open letter hereWhere Do We Go From Here? An Open Conversation on the reform of the Flemish museums
7 December 2025 - 4:59 pm – Announcement
On December 11, 2025, from 09:30 to 12:30, NICC Belgium is hosting a public debate at FOMU (Fotomuseum Antwerp) for artists, cultural workers, and professionals in the field. The focus will be on the announced reform of the Flemish museum landscape. A unique opportunity to voice your concerns, ask questions, and share diverse perspectives.
Read the full announcement hereARTnews Ranks Closure of M HKA Among Top 25 "Defining Art Events of 2025"
3 December 2025 - 9:59 pm – Statement of Support
Antwerp, December 3, 2025 – The prestigious art magazine ARTnews, yesterday published its Top 25 "Defining Art Events of 2025". Notably, the Flemish government’s decision to dismantle Antwerp’s M HKA ranks twentieth on the list. According to ARTnews, it is rare for a museum to close without clear financial reasons—yet that is exactly what happened this year to M HKA, Belgium’s oldest museum of contemporary art.
Read the full statement of support hereNowhere else has the establishment of a Museum of Contemporary Art had such an impact on a neighbourhood, on a city, as in Antwerp.
29 November 2025 - 3:01 am – Opinion
Danny Devos is an artist in Antwerp. He advocates for the preservation of the Museum of Contemporary Art in his city.
Read the full opinion hereAntwerp deserves a Museum for Contemporary Art
28 November 2025 - 4:32 pm – Opinion
In this brief history of 100 years of Antwerp art, artist Danny Devos outlines why the Flemish government must still decide to keep the Museum of Contemporary Art in the city.
Read the full opinion here