Antwerp City Collection
De Stadscollectie Antwerpen is a lively tribute to the artists who give colour to the city of Antwerp. From emerging talent to established names, this collection highlights local creativity but also the global influence of Antwerp’s art scene. Welcome!
INTRODUCTION
A CITY COLLECTION FOR ANTWERP
‘First, it’s of course a support to the M HKA, which wants to further strengthen its collection. At the same
time, however, we are remedying our own shortcoming. Antwerp has a phenomenal visual arts scene, featuring many great international artists. Unfortunately, in the past, this was hardly translated into patrimony. We now want to catch up on that.’
Nabilla Ait Daoud, Antwerp Alderwoman of Culture
Antwerp is widely known for its contemporary art scene. With artists, galleries and artistic initiatives that have international resonance, the city has been a magnet for artists from all over the world for many years. In 2021, at the request of the city of Antwerp, M HKA started The Antwerp City Collection: a dynamic collection of contemporary visual art.
The M HKA advises the city of Antwerp to acquire works by local and international artists with a focus on targeted historical catch-up movements, young artists living and working in Antwerp, and key artists from the Antwerp galleries.
The collection is constantly growing through annual purchases that remain on long-term loan at M HKA. With The City Collection, Antwerp not only supports the galleries and the M HKA, but also the artists who want their work to be included in an international context.