Support M HKA: What's the relation between a collection and a museum?

29 October 2025 – Statement of Support

CIMAM is launching a global advocacy campaign in support of the Museum of Contemporary Art Antwerp (M HKA), addressing the critical political decisions that threaten to remove its collection and downgrade the institution to a Kunsthalle.

Source: CIMAM Museum Watch

CIMAM calls on its Members to raise their voices in defense of museum collections and share their views by responding to two key questions.

Why are collections integral to a museum’s identity, integrity, and public mission, and how do they anchor its relationship with communities and place?
What are the ethical and governance risks when political authorities seek to reallocate or remove a museum’s collection?

Following the publication of CIMAM’s recent Museum Watch article - M HKA caught in the crosshairs: what is the museum’s future? - CIMAM is launching a global advocacy campaign in support of the M HKA, addressing a critical situation that is undermining its mission, autonomy, and longstanding role as a leading contemporary art museum.

As outlined in the article, the Flemish government's interference undermines the core Definition of a Museum, as established by ICOM:

“A museum is a not-for-profit, permanent institution in the service of society that researches, collects, conserves, interprets and exhibits tangible and intangible heritage. ”

Stripping a museum of its collection not only compromises its institutional integrity but also puts in danger its historical, cultural, and civic connection with its community.

This case raises an urgent question that can affect museums worldwide:

What is the relation between a collection and a museum?

On 9 October, CIMAM published a Museum Watch article expressing support for M HKA and outlining the circumstances that threaten the very foundations of its mission as an internationally respected contemporary art museum.

On the same day, CIMAM opened a dedicated resource page on its website to gather related coverage and advocacy efforts - including articles condemning the decision, such as the one published by L’Internationale, and a petition calling to reverse the decision to abolish M HKA's status as a national museum.

Format of Contributions

Participants may submit their contributions to museumwatch@cimam.org and communication@cimam.org

A short-written statement (100 words) or
A brief video message (max. 45–60 seconds)

Deadline

CIMAM will collect responses over a 10-day period (from 29 October - 7 November) and publish contributions daily through its website and social media channels, highlighting key quotes and voices to maintain visibility and engagement throughout the campaign. All materials will be centralized in a dedicated Museum Watch resource page, ensuring continued access and amplifying the collective message of international solidarity.