A guidance trajectory for artists I M HKA x kunsthuis Yellow Art
From June to September 2026, Muhka and kunsthuis Yellow Art are organising a guidance trajectory for nine artists connected to an artistic studio for people with a vulnerability in the province of Antwerp. The trajectory narrows the distance between the care sector and the art world, and gives the participants space to further develop and present their artistic practice.
A guidance trajectory for artists
These artists often experience a distance between the care sector and the art world. They are seen either as patients or as artists. To break through this compartmentalised thinking, Muhka and kunsthuis Yellow Art are joining forces.
The trajectory brings together nine artists at Muhka. Across five sessions, they are given space for encounter, development and exchange. They are guided in presenting their work and enter into dialogue with Muhka collection artists Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Vaast Colson and Liesbeth Grupping, and with various museum colleagues.
In a museum for contemporary art, surrounded by art and artists, the participants are given space for growth and encounter. Not a care setting, not therapy, but a place where art is central.
Selection
The trajectory is a collaboration between Muhka and kunsthuis Yellow Art in Geel, a studio organisation for artists with a vulnerability. The initiative was developed by artists Milou Abel and Lies Jacobs (kunsthuis Yellow Art).
Through an open call circulated within their network of organisations in mental healthcare in and around Antwerp, they selected nine participants. The selection was based on recent developments in their work and their willingness to take a next step in their artistic practice.
Programme
During a first session, the group gets to know each other. The participants receive a guided tour of the museum galleries and behind the scenes at Muhka. They also visit the depot, accompanied by a collection staff member.
During the following three sessions, the group enters into conversation with artists whose work is currently on view at Muhka: Anne-Mie Van Kerckhoven, Vaast Colson and Liesbeth Grupping. From their different generations, varied careers and artistic commitments, they speak about how they brought and continue to bring their work into the public realm, which challenges they encountered and how their practice developed.
Each conversation is followed by a working session. In these sessions, the participants receive guidance on compiling a portfolio, photographing their own work and articulating their artistic practice. Each participant also presents a work to the group and receives feedback from fellow participants and supervisors.
Several Muhka colleagues share their expertise: Lotte Bode and Piet Van Hecke on public mediation, Christine Clinckx on the photo archive, Luna Yer on social media and Christine Lambrechts on conservation.
Closing moment
In mid-September, the trajectory concludes with a presentation moment. The artists show their work to fellow participants, involved artists and staff, friends and family. Afterwards, there is space for encounter and conversation during a reception on the Muhka roof terrace.
The trajectory is a pilot project. Muhka and kunsthuis Yellow Art are exploring how the initiative can be further developed in the future, and how it can offer more artists the opportunity to develop their practices within the broader art field.
Involved organisations
The participants are connected to the Facktorij in Sint-Antonius Zoersel, Kunstencentrum De Loods in Duffel, K.NST. in IBW Bolder Antwerpen, Den 138 in vzw Albe in Kapellen, kunsthuis Yellow Art in Geel, Club Colorado in De Warande Turnhout and (W)onderweg in Wilrijk.
Main photo: David Hanneuse. Photo: Jente Waerzeggers.
