Antwerp (Eurotoday) – 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 misconduct by their former director, Kris Callens. Callens left his job earlier this year after multiple women accused him of inappropriate behavior. The museum has now officially confirmed that his resignation was due to these allegations.
Initially, the museum remained silent about the situation but has since admitted that it should have been more transparent. In a statement, they acknowledged that while they had carefully considered keeping the reasons for Callens’ departure private, they now realize that openness would have been the better approach.
Did the Fries Museum ignore misconduct claims against Kris Callens?
The museum emphasized its support for the women who came forward and commended their bravery. They expressed a commitment to greater accountability and honesty in order to rebuild trust with staff, visitors, and the public.
The museum also announced an investigation to determine exactly what happened and to ensure a safe environment for everyone. This inquiry will not only examine Callens’ actions but also assess how the museum responded to the allegations. Their goal is to foster a secure and respectful space for both employees and visitors.
Some women reported that Callens touched them without their consent, and one woman alleged that he physically harmed her at an event in 2016. The museum board was reportedly aware of these concerns as early as last December but took no action until Callens resigned.
The Dutch trade union Kunstenbond has called for an independent review of the incident, arguing that an external investigation is necessary to understand the impact of Callens’ actions on the museum and its staff. They aim to identify the systemic issues that allowed misconduct to persist and implement measures to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Meanwhile, the Fries Museum is facing financial challenges and undergoing operational changes.
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