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The Board of Directors of the museum Dhondt-Dhaenens has appointed Antony Hudek as its new general director. From February 17, 2020, Hudek will take over the role of general management from Joost Declercq, who has led the museum for more than ten years and is now on retirement.
Born in Geneva in 1976 and resident in Ghent, Hudek is the former director of the art space Objectif Exhibitions in Antwerp and was until now the Director of Curatorial Studies—a collaborative post-Master’s programme that is shared between the KASK-School of Arts in Ghent, S.M.A.K., and the University of Ghent.
He has previously worked as a curator in museums such as TATE Liverpool and M HKA (Antwerp), and at the Raven Row Gallery in London. In addition to his experience as a publisher, curator and researcher, Hudek also holds a doctorate in art history from the Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London.
The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Jan Steyaert, was keen to praise Hudek for his leadership qualities, his experience in contemporary art spaces in Flanders and the United Kingdom as well as for his structured and humane approach.
“The nomination committee led by Benedikt van der Vorst chose Antony Hudek from around 30 candidates for his management qualities, heritage experience, knowledge of the contemporary art world and academic expertise. His motivation to further develop and strengthen the intrinsic qualities and the already implemented policy of the MDD was decisive.” —Jan Steyaert, Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens
Hudek wants to lead the Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens to the next chapter by highlighting the assets of the MDD. Its mosaic experience is unrivalled, thanks to a unique combination of a private foundation, a public museum, a cutting-edge contemporary art centre, architectural landmarks and, not least, its surrounding areas of natural beauty and rich history. Hudek’s vision for the museum is therefore to attract a new audience and increase its regional, national and international reach.
“The Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens has incredible potential, at the heart of the rich cultural area that saw the birth of the Latem School. Since 1967, the museum has been guided by a tradition of audacity. My vision for the Museum is to build on this heritage with, on the one hand, major historical exhibitions centred on its collection, and, on the other, contemporary art exhibitions aimed at wide audiences. In addition, I want to strengthen the museum’s research profile, promote the Wunderkammer Residence and the Van Wassenhove House more widely, and regain trust with the neighbourhood and municipality.” —Antony Hudek, newly appointed director of the Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens
On Sunday, March 1, 2020, two solo exhibitions by Gary Hume and Francis Upritchard will open at the Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens. The opening of these two shows will also offer the opportunity for Antony Hudek to be officially introduced as the museum’s new director.
