As a green, public art space in Antwerp, it is also an important goal for us to strengthen people’s physical and mental resilience.
Showing solidarity with victims of extreme violence elsewhere in the world, such as in Gaza, can be a way to give meaning to the emotions and outrage about it. Engagement can strengthen mental resilience because it provides a sense of connection and offers a counterbalance to feelings of helplessness.
However, the ongoing exposure to images and reports about the genocide can also take a toll on mental health.
At the Middelheim Museum, we recognize the need for both: a deep engagement with what is happening in society, and space for rest and recovery for everyone.