A clear strategic choice

Muhka is at the beginning of a new phase in its development. Following an extensive process of analysis, reflection and participation, the governing body set a clear strategic direction for the coming years on 15 July 2026. The museum has chosen to become an artistically ambitious network museum, with the collection as its foundation and collaboration as its strength. Muhka will remain an autonomous museum of contemporary art, locally rooted and internationally connected.

This choice builds on the museum’s strong foundations: an internationally distinctive collection, a rich research practice, a strong position within the arts field and a committed team. The ambition is to connect these strengths more closely and thereby increase the museum’s artistic quality, social relevance and international profile.

The collection as a foundation

The collection is the heart of the museum. Muhka holds a rich and diverse collection of more than 8,000 artworks, artists’ archives, documentation and heritage collections, built up over several decades. Together, they offer unique perspectives on the history, present and future of contemporary art. The collection is not a static possession, but a living resource for artistic production, research, public engagement, international collaboration and new perspectives on art, artists and society.

Collaboration as a fundamental way of working

Building on this collection, Muhka consciously chooses collaboration as a fundamental way of working. Collaboration is not regarded as an additional task, but as a strategic method for strengthening artistic quality, social relevance and international impact. From Antwerp, Muhka will continue to build sustainable relationships within the city, across Flanders and through international networks such as L’Internationale, always from a clear sense of identity and purpose.

To realise this ambition, a new artistic director will also be appointed. The profile sought combines a distinct artistic vision with a strong international network and the ability to firmly connect the museum with artistic debate, artists and partners in Antwerp, Flanders and beyond.

What are the next steps?

Over the coming months, Muhka will develop the chosen direction further in a transition plan to be submitted to the Flemish Government on 1 October 2026. This plan will translate the strategic choices into concrete actions concerning the organisation, collection work, public engagement, collaboration and infrastructure.

At the same time, the search will begin for a new artistic director who will help guide the museum through its next phase.

The results of the transition process will subsequently be incorporated into the 2029–2034 policy plan. In this way, Muhka will continue to build step by step towards a future in which the collection forms the foundation, collaboration is a core principle and the museum further strengthens its role as a leading institution for contemporary art.

Context

Building on a long tradition

Muhka builds on a long tradition. The museum grew out of the International Cultural Centre (ICC), established in 1970 as the first public institution for contemporary art in Flanders. It was built from the ground up in response to a genuine need within the artistic community. That proximity, commitment and pioneering spirit remain present today, and we are now reinvigorating them.

The past year has been eventful. In October 2025, Flemish Minister for Culture Caroline Gennez’s concept note proposed a fundamental restructuring of the Flemish museum landscape. Those plans met with widespread resistance from Muhka, the sector, the artistic community and the wider cultural field. Rightly so, because the debate that followed revealed something essential: Muhka holds a unique position within Antwerp and Flanders — and plays an important role within the contemporary visual arts.

Muhka remains a museum and cultural heritage institution. We are using this moment to develop a clear vision and renewed momentum.

Flanders needs Muhka

Flanders is large enough for two fully fledged museums of contemporary art, each with its own distinct profile. Contemporary art is about the art of today and about living artists who engage with the conversations of our time. Its strength lies in multiple voices, perspectives and collections that complement one another.

We are not breaking with the past; we are deepening our commitment. We will build on what works, look critically at what can be improved and lay a stronger foundation for the future.

A museum by and for people

This is a project made by people. By staff who work passionately for the museum every day. By artists whom we embrace as essential partners. By visitors who come here to be moved. By everyone who believes that contemporary art matters.

We will continue to communicate transparently about this process in order to involve as many people as possible in our future. Because this is a story we are writing together, with everyone who believes in the power of contemporary art in Flanders and beyond.