Manfred Sellink will retire early from his position as director of the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) in Ghent on October 1, the museum announced last week. Although he had hoped to continue working until 2028, physical setbacks have forced him to step down earlier from the museum where he has worked with dedication since April 2021. Vic Verhasselt, the museum’s financial coordinator, will serve as acting director.

Drawing on his extensive expertise in the Flemish and Dutch museum landscape, Manfred brought a wealth of experience to the MSK. During his directorship, the museum organized successful exhibitions such as Theodoor Rombouts and the modern artist Albert Baertsoen, which highlighted the museum’s 225th anniversary celebrations in 2023. He also generously fostered collaborations between museums, as an active member within the Flemish museum community and the CODART network.

A long-standing active member of CODART since 1998, Manfred Sellink contributed to our organization as a board member from 2008 to 2017 and the Friends of CODART board from 2021 to 2024. Furthermore, he is a regular participant in congresses and CODARTfocus meetings.