Ghent is the European Youth Capital in 2024, and in that year the youth collective Schoonvolk! takes charge of the MSK’s collection of art. In its exhibition Alternative narrative, Schoonvolk! explore how museums and exhibitions can - and should - look today.

The collective experiments with its own manifesto, focusing on the fine art in the depots but with an inventive twist. Created by and for young people, this exhibition aims to make the museum feel more accessible, and to throw open the doors and (sometimes literally) dust off the works and reveal them.

A manifesto

The youth collective is experimenting with its own manifesto, applying it to the collection of the museum. This exhibition for and by youth aims to lower the museums barriers, throw the doors wide open and bring art out from under the dust (sometimes literally).

An alternative narrative

From the museum depots, Schoonvolk! selected 70 works: collection pieces that have not often been on display, works made by female artists (a persistent blind spot in fine arts), works in various media and art that depicts underexposed themes.

Platform for young artists

In addition, Schoonvolk! finds it important to offer young artists a platform. That is why they collaborated with the graphic design duo Studio Sessions and illustrator Charlot Vael. For part of the scenography, the youth collective worked with Mirthe Tibos. She created a 'soft sculpture' that serves as a resting point in the exhibition.

Schoonvolk!

Schoonvolk! focuses on the needs and concerns of young people between 16 and 26 and wants to make their voices heard. The youth collective wants to give unheard voices and taboos a place in the museum, working to lower the threshold and provide access to experiencing art. Art is not limited to a dusty elitist activity with a price tag for the happy few.