The letter, signed by NEMO Chairperson Petra Havu on behalf of the NEMO Executive Board, highlights the potential impact of the proposed reductions of 30-50 percent, and in some cases the complete withdrawal of structural support, will have on the wider museum and heritage ecosystem and calls for renewed dialogue with the organisations concerned before the changes are implemented.
According to an article published by Flanders Art Institute, from 2027 the Flemish-subsidised cultural sector will have to cut back 47 million euro. This includes archives, (local) museums, heritage units, socio-cultural organisations, the Masereel Centre and the Landcommanderij Alden-Biesen, as well as the “core organisations” (the new name for the overhead support organisations) that support the cultural sector.
A strong and interconnected heritage landscape
In its letter, NEMO acknowledges the budgetary challenges governments face, but emphasises that the scale and distribution of the announced reductions could have consequences that extend far beyond individual institutions.
NEMO notes that Flanders has developed a rich and interconnected cultural heritage landscape in which museums, archives, heritage libraries, heritage cells and specialised support organisations operate together across local, supra-local, regional and Flemish levels. This layered approach has long been regarded as a strength of the Flemish heritage model and has attracted interest from across Europe.
According to NEMO, reducing support for key organisations within this ecosystem risks weakening the structures that enable museums and heritage institutions to thrive, collaborate and fulfil their public missions. Additionally, a strong museum and cultural heritage sector contributes to democratic, resilient and inclusive societies.
Concern for museums and support organisations
Particular concern is raised about the impact on organisations that provide expertise, training, research, networking and professional support to the museum sector.
Among them is FARO, the Flemish Institution for Cultural Heritage and a NEMO member, which plays a central role in strengthening the capacity and resilience of museums and heritage organisations across Flanders.
NEMO stresses that museums do not operate in isolation. They rely on professional networks, support structures and knowledge-sharing organisations that help connect people, collections and expertise. Weakening this infrastructure, the letter argues, may in turn affect museums' ability to preserve heritage, engage audiences and contribute to resilient and democratic societies.
Call for dialogue
NEMO therefore calls on the Flemish Government to reconsider the announced measures and engage in meaningful dialogue with the affected organisations. The letter reiterates NEMO's long-standing advocacy for sustained investment in cultural infrastructure and for recognising the role museums play as trusted institutions that contribute to cultural participation, social cohesion and democratic life.
NEMO has also expressed its openness to engage in further discussions and dialogue to share a broader European perspective on the importance of maintaining strong, interconnected and pluralistic museum and heritage ecosystems.
