Driven by this devotion we developed three programmes – called Chapters – with Guests who each embodied a distinguished position within our society: Chapter 1NE: Edson Sabajo & Guillaume Schmidt, Chapter 2WO: Nicolás Jaar & The Shock Forest Group and Chapter 3HREE: Maarten Spruyt. Each chapter, in their own way, focused on coming to grips with global issues that we as individuals have so little control over. Together, these three chapters caught the attention of over 35,000 visitors, and the excitement and curiosity of the public, has inspired us to expand our ambition and vision in the coming years.

However, Het HEM has not escaped the consequences of the recent pandemic and associated economic downturn. As a young organization, still in development, we do have the ingenuity but not the resources to move on as is, even though we are not lacking in ideas. Concretely, this means we are forced to temporarily change Het HEM’s financial model and curatorial programme, so we can ensure the institution's continuation.

Over the past months we have suspended the exhibition programme, and we're happy to encounter spontaneous interventions and collaborations with different partners. This story between chapters, named Chapter 3HREE and a 1/2 enabled us to clear the space and open up the building to like-minded parties who have experienced similar setbacks due to the crisis: conferences, talks, music and film nights. The extensive 9,000 m² of our building offers excellent opportunities to facilitate a rich variety of cultural activities based on the safe 1.5 meter guideline.

The measures which were announced in the press conference on Tuesday 13 October led us to close our doors early this year. The plans for the future of Het HEM have not yet been realized a 100%, but we are positive we will be able to open again next year with a new Chapter.

Until then,

Kim Tuin