GHENT.- Chairman Pierre Iserbyt and the Board of Directors appoint Laura Hanssens to serve as Director of
Herbert Foundation.
Laura Hanssens joined Herbert Foundation in 2012, at the eve of its opening to the public. Together with the team, she will further develop the future of the Foundation, in line with the Foundation’s distinctive identity and vision.
Laura Hanssens: “The title of Herbert Foundation’s first exhibition in 2013 was AS IF IT COULD, a reference to Lawrence Weiner’s eponymous 1971 work. The title embodied the future-related questions that inevitably arise from a private collection. Anton Herbert described the establishment of an independent Private Foundation as a ‘necessary utopia’—a description that still holds today. I consider it an honour to actively ensure the much-needed continuation of Annick and Anton’s lifework together with the team.”
Pierre Iserbyt: “In Anton’s eyes, managing Herbert Foundation calls for a rigorous policy, a policy in accordance with ‘the Straight Line’. Over the last few years and during the more recent, difficult period especially, Laura has demonstrated the needed capacities to lead the Foundation. After deliberations with the Board of Directors, Laura was deemed to be the right person to continue Anton’s policies. Together with the Board, I will remain at her side to carry this important task to its completion.”
The focus of Herbert Foundation during the next few years will be to continue opening up the Collection and the Archives to the public. From the autumn of 2022, the exhibition spaces at the Raas van Gaverestraat will be opened to the public and visitors will be able to experience the Collection in its original environment. After the current exhibition Distance Extended / 1979 – 1997. Part II has closed, the exhibition space at the Coupure will host temporary exhibitions that offer a deep exploration into the oeuvres of the artists in the Collection.
The Archives will continue to be extended and transferred to a format that will enable active use and research.
