News BAK

12 March 2020

Covid-19: BAK’s physical site temporarily closed

While BAK’s physical site is currently closed due to Covid-19*, our online platforms (bakonline.org, formerwest.org, and callthewitness.org) continue providing extensive access to the propositional, futural, and urgency-driven practices of artists, scientists, and activists from within our collaborations. In this moment of crisis, rather than relocating our work online and accelerating its cyberspace presence, BAK chooses to address what kind of a world we want to emerge into—and what we as an art institution can do about it. In parallel, we engage in hands-on support of our communities whenever and however we can. Some of this labor can be seen on BAK’s digital forum Prospections—albeit as intermittent, modest interventions of imagination and commitment, added at a steady pace. Some of this labor remains invisible, as much of what needs to be done in these times is, in our view, not about or for display, but needs to materialize rather through commitment to and an honest search for ways of being together otherwise.

Our first more extensive public program since the lockdown takes place on 12 September 2020, Propositions #12: Waves Breaking Walls, Futures in Movement, and can be attended physically at BAK in small groups, listened to online, or tuned into via FM radio. On 16 & 17 October 2020, we reopen exhibition Tony Cokes: To Live as Equals (16 October 2020-10 January 2021) at BAK, and will be open again during our regular opening hours.

If you want to get in touch, our team is easily reachable via info@bakonline.org.

* Although we of course regret not being able to present our exhibitions and programs in situ, the safety and wellbeing of our staff and visitors is our highest priority. Our measures are in line with the latest advice by the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) and legislation by the Dutch government. Should we re-open or change anything in our measures, we will let you know as soon as possible via website and social media.