“This must be done differently”: Ghent Reformts Organization SMAK, but museum director Philippe van Cauteren stays on (Ghent)
The Ghent city council announces « accelerated reforms » for the operation of the SMAK and the Design Museum. This happens after several complaints have arrived in recent years, including about toxic leadership of director Philippe van Cauteren.
« Making art and design accessible to the largest possible audience is the mission, but that should never be at the expense of all the people who make that mission possible day in day out, » says Ghent’s ships of Cultuur Astrid De Bruycker in a press release. « For years, the focus was mainly on just the arts themselves, so the well -being of our cultural workers was lost too much. The welfare surveys and recurring complaints show the consequences of this year after year. This is not good for anyone. At the moment there are only losers. This has to be done. »
In recent years, numerous complaints have been received due to safety, integrity and well -being in the workplace. Last year, for example, ten staff members filed complaints about toxic leaderic monkey against director Philippe van Cauteren. « Complaints that we take very seriously, » said De Bruycker.
The situation in the SMAK came back to the attention earlier this month after the UGent Art Sciences department announced for the time being not to send trainees to the museum due to an unsafe working environment. The external service for prevention and protection at work has since been conducting an investigation into psychological cross -border behavior. Despite earlier efforts, the problems persist according to the trade unions.
According to the ships, the management of the museums also acknowledges the « necessity for change », but they have « been unable to make the difference enough » for the time being. « That is why it is really time to draw a line under this period and there is a need for quick results and structural interventions. »
For example, it was decided to temporarily place a « change manager » in addition to the general manager, both in the SMAK and in the Design Museum. « They get the mandate to implement reforms in a quick and effective way. » In addition, the evaluation form of the managements is also changed and an external party is called in for this.
« The challenges of the SMAK and the Design Museum are unfortunately not unique within the culture sector, » concludes De Bruycker. « That is why I am already in conversation with Flemish Minister for Culture Caroline Gennez, who takes the problem with the necessary urgency. »
