BASF wants to captivate people together with the KMSKA and further put the city of Antwerp on the map

Chemical giant BASF Antwerp has a long-standing relationship with the KMSKA. The company is delighted to be able to resume this connection through its new partnership following the museum’s renovation. CEO Jan Remeysen explains why.

Why do you consider it important to engage in this kind of partnership? 

Jan Remeysen: “The BASF Group’s policy has always been based on social engagement, today better known as corporate social responsibility (CSR). Our tagline is “We create chemistry for a sustainable future,” and that “chemistry” can be understood in two ways: we develop new chemical products that are beneficial for a sustainable future, but we also aim to create a lasting bond with our customers, employees, and neighbors. For BASF Antwerp, this means a strong local presence and contributing to the societal needs of the region. We support initiatives that allow us to create something meaningful and generate opportunities for the people involved.” 

Why did you choose KMSKA?

“We believe it is important to make cultural treasures accessible to a broad audience. In 1993, when Antwerp was the European Capital of Culture and the KMSKA was facing staff shortages, we provided the museum with three attendants for a year who acted as gallery supervisors. In addition, there have always been various memberships with the Friends of the KMSKA. We consider it a privilege to be able to continue that partnership today. I recently had a guided tour, and the KMSKA has become a world-class museum, where we can showcase both the work of Belgian artists and the Flemish Masters.” 

What is your favourite work from the collection?

“The KMSKA is a work of art in itself. The beautifully restored historic building, with its rich colors that bring back the old grandeur, combined with the new modern section: sublime. Beyond that, the fantastic work 'Into the Water!' by Virginie Elodie Demont-Breton really stayed with me. You see a mother confidently guiding her anxious-looking children safely to the water. It brought to mind a society that is fearful and uncertain, and how our company, through chemistry, can provide solutions for a more sustainable future. Demont-Breton is also a female painter, and diversity and inclusion are important themes and values for BASF. A welcome bonus.” 

What is your company most looking forward to during this partnership?

“With the MAS and later the Port House, we gained two new landmarks in the city. The new KMSKA will be one as well. I hope that through our partnership we can help put Antwerp even more firmly on the map and strengthen its profile. Through the BASF Group, we often host international delegations. We are always proud when we can show them not only our production site but also our city. Many of these visitors later say they want to come back for a city trip to Antwerp. That’s good for the hospitality sector, hotels, museums, cultural experiences, and nightlife. Antwerp is a large city, but also compact. On a relatively small area, you have an enormous range of opportunities and sights. With the renovated KMSKA, we have an additional asset to showcase and to fascinate people. The combination of history and innovation also aligns perfectly with the core of our company: we can draw on a long tradition, but we continuously introduce new installations, products, and technologies.”