An event by Hand in Hand tegen racisme

Five fascinating speakers will address the topic of decolonizing heritage, traditions and knowledge acquisition, with a particular focus on the Antwerp context. Panel: Lies Busselen (researcher at the AfricaMuseum), Koen Bulckens (curator of Old Masters Royal Museum of Fine Arts (KMSKA) in Antwerp), Samuel Saelemakers (Kunst in de Stad, curator of art in the public space of the city of Antwerp), Judith Elseviers (decolonization expert, particularly Antwerp heritage) and Lieven Miguel Kandolo (co-chairman Hand in Hand against Racism). Moderated by Ama Koranteng-Kumi (co-founder MINO ARTSPACE).

This is a panel discussion where the common thread is Hand in Hand Against Racism's vision of decolonizing heritage, traditions and knowledge acquisition. Within that framework, the various speakers can respond from their own angle or expertise. After all, we want to avoid the decolonization discussion becoming narrowed down to a symbol discussion about, for example, whether or not to have a certain statue in a certain place. As important as symbols are, we are especially disturbed at how cramped our society and politicians are in dealing with these questions. The failure of the Convention Committee and the contorted response to the demand for a memorial to KMSKA is exemplary here. Where do these resistances come from and can we demonstrate by concrete examples what this is really about and how it is in the interest of all of us to take steps forward here?

The panel discussion is part of a broader decolonization campaign, about jobs, international solidarity and climate justice. This event is part of a series of informative evenings leading up to the Platform 21 Antwerp event on Sunday, March 19 (more info).

FREE ENTRANCE, REGISTRATION MANDATORY, LIMITED SPOTS