Eerste reflectie: Ontmoeting met Kabinet Cultuur op 10 oktober 2025
Context: NICC is the platform for reflection for the visual arts, so we felt the responsibility to write down our first reflections in preparation for the meeting with the cabinet for culture on 10 October 2025. During this meeting, a small group of artists and art workers is invited to discuss the issues surrounding the proposed reform of the Flemish museum landscape. The situation is still unfolding, and a lot of crucial information is still missing, so this reflection is a work in progress.
For NICC, the main priority remains the creation and safeguarding of a fair, equal and safe environment for artists and art workers
Over the past week, an emotional rollercoaster has rushed through the field. The proposed reform of the museum landscape is a significant change and will have an impact on M HKA, museums and institutions across Flanders, artists, art workers and audiences, and the Belgian art scene as a whole. It is a complex and far-reaching proposal, communicated on short notice and built without sector feedback. This has created hurt, distrust and concern for the team at M HKA specifically, but with all parties involved in general. The arts field must be actively involved so that trust and belief in the policy can be restored.
While the announced plans have caused a lot of emotions, we believe that now is the time for wisdom and a collective, inclusive approach that transcends individual opinions and interests.
We think three things are necessary, and to move forward constructively, we would like to know if the Minister agrees with our reflections:
- We need clarity on how this plan came about and why the communication was handled the way it was.
- We would like the Minister to acknowledge that this situation has not been handled carefully and caringly enough. It was one-sided, deeply hurtful and not in a way that builds trust.
- We want to see a clear roadmap for the reform as a whole that includes serious evaluation and that takes into account the different and diverse voices of the sector, so that the arts field no longer experiences this reform as a top-down decision, and we have a collective and inclusive process in which everybody feels heard.
These are times of continuous and multiple crises in which difficult decisions need to be made. While disagreement may be uncomfortable, we believe it could be an opportunity to build true dialogue, restore trust and safety and ensure shared concerns remain on the agenda.
We believe a better way forward is possible — one built on respect, expertise and mutual care.
Contact: Do you have a question or remark? Please reach out to us via [email protected]
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