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Solidarity Without Borders: 'Hands Against The Wall' Connects Brazil and Antwerp in Protest for M HKA

26 November 2025 - 10:00 am – Statement of Support

On November 23, Antwerp and Brazil united in a powerful performance: "Hands Against The Wall." A symbolic protest against the dismantling of M HKA, with a message of international solidarity.

Antwerp, November 23, 2025 – On Sunday, November 23 at 1:30 PM, dozens of people gathered at M HKA in Antwerp for the symbolic action "Hands Against The Wall". With their hands pressed against the museum’s wall, they called on Minister Caroline Gennez to revise her plans to abolish M HKA as a museum of contemporary art. Inspired by the performance of Ben Benaouisse, the action is a powerful symbol of resistance against the dismantling of the cultural sector in Flanders.

A Performance as Protest

"Hands Against The Wall" is an interactive performance by Ben Benaouisse, part of the collection of S.M.A.K. in Ghent. The action in Antwerp was organized by Ben Benaouisse, Gudrun Somers, and the collective Museum at Risk, with support from De vrienden van het M HKA – The Art Circle. Participants placed their hands against the museum wall as a sign of unity and resistance against plans that threaten to reduce M HKA to a stripped-down structure without a collection, research, or sufficient staff.

International Solidarity

What made the action even more special was its simultaneous performance at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Brazil. There, De vrienden van het M HKA – The Art Circle and local visitors brought the action to life as a gesture of solidarity with Antwerp. A powerful act demonstrating how the struggle for culture and heritage resonates globally.

A Call for Preservation

The action sent a clear message to Minister Gennez: "Antwerp must keep its museum of contemporary art." Participants emphasized that culture is not a luxury, but an essential public service that connects, inspires, and builds futures.

SOLIDARITY!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone in Antwerp and Brazil who carried this action. The fight for M HKA and the cultural sector continues – together we stand strong!

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