Belgian director left Dutch museum after reports of transgressive behaviour
The Fries Museum in the Netherlands has confirmed that its former director, Belgian Kris Callens, in February left after reports of years of transgressive behaviour. The museum is currently considering a broader independent investigation.
Belgian Kris Callens became director of the Fries Museum and Ceramics Museum Princessehof, both in the Dutch city of Leeuwarden, in 2015. But in February, the museums announced his departure.
At the time, the Fries Museum cited reduced subsidies and financial problems as reasons for the departure. After testimonies in the media, the organisation now says it fully supports the women who have reported Callens' transgressive behaviour.
The museum says it is shocked and touched by their stories and the impact the situation has had on them. “From the moment that the Supervisory Board received signals about possible sexual and transgressive behaviour, serious and decisive action was taken,” it declared. “The seriousness of the situation was abundantly clear, and this precipitated Kris Callens' departure.”
Broader investigation
“With the best intentions”, a departure by mutual consent and with a media silence was chosen afterwards. “In hindsight, more openness from the start would have been the better choice,” the museum acknowledges. “The people who reported the behaviour were also worried: what if Kris Callens crossed the line again elsewhere?”
To “get the complete picture”, the museum is now considering a broader independent investigation. “Maybe there have been other cases of unacceptable behaviour that we don't know about,” it stated. In the meantime, the museum staff hope that their story can help and support others and contribute to systemic change.
The Fries Museum in the Netherlands © BELGA PHOTO ANP / Hollandse Hoogte / Harold Versteeg
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