Mission & Vision

Bonnefanten aims to link the art world to society and to challenge people to better understand themselves and the world in which they live.

Bonnefanten

There’s more than meets the eye.
Surprisingly distinctive in ancient, modern and contemporary art.

Vision

As a public institution, the Bonnefanten carries out its core tasks for the benefit of the community. So we like to stimulate a sense of ‘ownership’ in the most diverse target groups. Through our collections and presentations, we forge links between the world of art and the communities for which that art can play a meaningful role. We see the power of inspiration in the material and immaterial qualities that art offers us: aesthetic ideals, creative intelligence, diversity, originality and independent critical reflection. We draw on this power to challenge people and to help them form an articulate and resilient relationship to the world we live in. When we succeed in doing so, this contributes to tolerance and connection. Our museum is a place for interpreting and representing the world around us: that of the past, the present and the future. Everyone has their own take on this. From child to senior, and from student to professional. From the curiously open-minded to the enthusiastically expert.

The artistic quality of our collections and our programming forms the basis for all we do. We thereby provide our visitors with a multivocal perspective on distinctive art and art practices throughout history. And we do so in relation to the social context in which art works were created and/or in which they are relevant (once more). We show the connections between the old masters, modern art and contemporary art. Wherever possible, we spotlight current issues and question criteria for quality. Through our contextual programmes, in which we seek to collaborate with similarly engaged partners, we make our presentations more accessible, provide depth, stimulate critical thinking and increase our social impact.

Mission

Through our distinctive collections of old masters, modern art and contemporary art, as well as our perceptive and engaged exhibitions and activities, the Bonnefanten inspires and enriches a broad and diverse public – at a regional, national and international level. We take good care of our collection. We invite people to discover things. We broaden their views, open their eyes and surprise them. We provide an inclusive compass and help people gain a better understanding of the world we live in, especially regarding urgent themes like climate, racism, identity, diversity and polarisation. We are curious about the prism of perspectives, also outside our own organisation. We enjoy working together – as a team, and with artists, communities, education, partners and visitors. Because together we can do more. Sustainability is a precondition for the way we deal with people and resources. We are a springboard for talent. With art as the key, we bring the world to Limburg, and Limburg to the world. We bring art to other museums, school classrooms, offices and living rooms. We make the city and region extra attractive, and thus contribute to the economy.

Ambition

To be the leading place, nationally and internationally, to discover non-mainstream artists and art practices.