Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The Fries Museum admitted former director Kris Callens resigned due to sexual misconduct allegations. An investigation will review his actions and the museum’s response. Trade union Kunstenbond demands transparency and accountability.
The Fries Museum in Leeuwarden is investigating claims of bad behaviour by their former director, Kris Callens. Callens left his job earlier this year after several women said he acted inappropriately. The Fries Museum finally admitted that Kris Callens left because of accusations of sexual misconduct. They said in a statement that he resigned earlier this year.
The museum had been quiet about the situation, but now they say they should have been more open. The museum said they had thought carefully about keeping the reason for Callens’ departure a secret, but they now realize that being honest about it would have been better.
Did the Fries Museum ignore misconduct claims against Kris Callens?
According to the museum, they support the women who came forward with their stories. They said the women were brave to speak out. The museum said that they are trying to be more responsible and honest. They want to rebuild trust with everyone.
The museum mentioned that they are going to have an investigation to find out what happened and make sure everyone is safe. This investigation will look at what Callens did, but also how the museum handled the situation. They want to make sure that everyone who works at the museum and everyone who visits is safe and feels comfortable.
Some women mentioned that he touched them without their permission, and one woman said he hurt her at an event in 2016. The museum board knew about the problems last December but didn’t do anything until Callens left.
The Dutch trade union Kunstenbond think an outside group should look at how Callens’ actions affected the museum and its workers. They want to know why bad behaviour is allowed to happen so they can prevent it in the future. The museum is having money problems and is changing how it works.
