Ludwig Flament:
"For me, S.M.A.K. is an open-minded museum that treads the paths of other museums in Belgium and beyond. Membership of the Friends gives me a broad view of the (international) art world. This year, for the first time, there was an Extra Muros exhibition in the Ten Bogaerde Arts Centre in Koksijde. I have guided this exhibition with great enthusiasm. (Learning) to look at contemporary art with wonder, thanks to the Friends of S.M.A.K."
Paul Temmerman:
"Since 2016 I have been a member of the Friends of S.M.A.K. This allows me to better taste contemporary art and expand knowledge. We get in touch with artists and see how the work is created from idea to realisation of the work. Being part of the Friends of S.M.A.K. allows me to visit artists' studios, galleries and museums in the Netherlands and abroad. I recommend the activities abroad because of the locations and programmes offered and afterwards you have unforgettable memories and friends."
"Thanks to the Friends of S.M.A.K., I can also purchase works of art and build a collection for myself and my children. I hope that the museum will soon be able to expand so that all the acquired works can be shown to the general public."
Philip Marquebreuck:
"We and our family are members of the Friends because we care deeply about contemporary art and the S.M.A.K. I myself am mainly involved in art after '45 and the history of both the friendship association and the corresponding collection. For me, museum friendship associations are very important for the democratisation of cultural policy. It brings people closer to art and to each other. It brings soul mates together."
"Apart from the VIPs who obviously have their merits, a large supported friendship association seems important for a museum that has the ambition to expand and dreams of a new place where the exceptional collection of S.M.A.K. can be unlocked. I consider every citizen of Ghent as a kind of shareholder of S.M.A.K. and its exceptional collection. The support for more resources and a new museum therefore partly depends on the support of every citizen of Ghent. That is why the Friends of S.M.A.K. have an important task to fulfil."
