Witte de With Museum Nears New Name After Three-Year Renaming Process
A Dutch museum's quest for a new identity, which has spanned three years, is approaching its conclusion, with two potential names arising from public feedback. Founded in 1990, the museum aims to rebrand itself to move away from Admiral Witte Corneliszoon de With, a figure associated with colonialism. An external committee assessed a shortlist derived from over 200 submissions, leaning towards 'KAT' (Kunst. Activiteiten. Theorie) but also suggesting 'Melly,' the title of a gallery since 2019, influenced by Ken Lum's artwork. The committee's vote favored 'Melly' with a tally of 8-12. On September 30, Director Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy and the supervisory board will examine the results, with a final decision set for October 5.
Key facts
- The museum announced its name change in 2017 to distance itself from colonial associations.
- Over 200 people participated in the public consultation process through surveys and workshops.
- The shortlist included 'KAT,' 'Kin,' and 'Haven' as potential new names.
- An external committee of 13 members favored 'KAT' by majority vote.
- The committee proposed 'Melly' as an alternative, inspired by a youth program and Ken Lum's artwork.
- The advisory committee voted 8-12 in favor of 'Melly' over 'KAT.'
- Director Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy and the supervisory board will review findings on September 30.
- A final decision on the new name will be announced on October 5.
Entities
Artists
- Ken Lum
- Jannelieke Aalstein
- Leal Arazzi van Herwaarden
- Clara Balaguer
- Liesbeth Bik
- Yahaira Brito Morfe
- Willem de Rooij
- Sasha Huber
- Stijn Kemper
- Iris Kensmil
- Louise Mitchell
- Tumelo Mosaka
- Willem Philipsen
- Kees Weeda
- Sofía Hernández Chong Cuy
Institutions
- Witte de With
Locations
- Rotterdam
- Netherlands
- Peru
- Brazil
- West Indies