Quares wants to join forces with the KMSKA to reach out to the neighborhood

Real estate company Quares places great importance on sharing knowledge and art, and on activating the local ecosystem. The partnership with the KMSKA is therefore no surprise. Managing partner Herman Du Bois explains.

Why did you choose KMSKA?

“An institution like the museum aims to make extraordinary and valuable pieces accessible to the public. Unlocking and sharing valuable art, along with the knowledge about it, is extremely important to us. The KMSKA is located just across the square. With a view to activating the local ecosystem and building sustainable neighborhood ties, the choice is obvious. The building itself is a striking historical achievement: a landmark that helps define a neighborhood and serves as a fantastic setting. The renovation thoughtfully combines modern techniques with the historic heritage, making the museum future-proof. That drive to innovate is also part of our DNA. All of these elements create a sense of awe that we love to share with our clients and colleagues.

Of course, there is the art experience itself. The museum has been closed for so long that everyone is eager to visit, and likely more than once. Maintaining that sense of excitement will be the challenge, one we are eager to explore with the KMSKA team and fully support.”

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

Herman Du Bois: “We place great importance on our social responsibility and on ESG principles, which are becoming increasingly important. The ‘E’ for Environmental: for us, with a particular focus on energy optimization and sustainability. The ‘S’ for Social: for affordable and high-quality housing. And the ‘G’ for Governance: for sound management, transparency, and open communication. We seek these values in our partnerships and want to share them with our clients and colleagues. In this way, we give substance to our story, because real estate alone is not a goal in itself for us.”

What is your favourite work?

“The Madonna Surrounded by Seraphim and Cherubim by Jean Fouquet fascinates me. It is a slightly bizarre and revolutionary work by the French artist, of whom only six individual paintings have survived. Yet, many centuries later, it remains relevant and contemporary. Consider, for example, that last summer the American pop singer Halsey was inspired by it for a new album cover, which became a statement against the stigma surrounding breastfeeding. Even global superstar Rihanna praised it. That combination of past and future: fantastic. A masterpiece!”

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

“We hope to offer our contacts, clients, and colleagues something unique in a special setting. Personally, I am very curious to hear the stories behind the artworks and the accompanying anecdotes from the guides. I understand that the museum also wants to focus strongly on neighborhood engagement. Reaching out to and interacting with local, city, and regional residents of a socially significant institution is very important to me. The desire to be accessible and respectful of your immediate surroundings, while at the same time setting high standards and aiming to be a European or global player, is ambitious and exciting. An inspiring example for any entrepreneur.”