The M HKA site will be transformed into a new 'international' arts centre.
The Flemish government decided on Friday to cancel the new construction project for the Museum of Contemporary Art (M HKA) in Antwerp. Today, the M HKA suffered another blow.
The S.M.A.K. in Ghent will become the main museum for contemporary arts in Flanders and will take over the leading role previously held by M HKA.
The collection and museum operations of the current M HKA will be transferred to S.M.A.K. in Ghent. Caroline Gennez said on Monday that investments will be made in the current museum site of the M HKA: “There will be room for exhibitions, but also studios, residencies, lectures and workshops.”
It is certain that M HKA will be given “a new position” in the Flemish museum landscape, and everything indicates that this will largely be carried out under the supervivion of the S.M.A.K..
Gennez cites to a recent evaluation of the Antwerp museum as the reason for this decission. “Although the M HKA is doing well in terms of supporting artists, it has been struggling with its role as a museum for some time. In recent months, it has also become clear that the original budget of 130 million euros for the new construction project will not suffice. That is why we have decided to stop the project now.”
Main Image: M HKA, Antwerp