To answer this question, there is a long-term study on image literacy under way at M. To this end, we collaborate with KU Leuven and with ENVIL (European Network for Visual Literacy), an international network of researchers.

The research examines how people look at a work of art, what factors play a role in this, and how you can trigger visitors to dwell longer on a work and learn to 'read' it better. M's collection serves as a research area.

New approach

Until 2017, M had a fixed, chronological arrangement. But we saw that our visitors were spending less and less time on this. That is why we opted for a new approach based on image literacy. Together with the ENVIL network, we worked on a theoretical framework. We then applied this to the way we do exhibitions.

The new approach is transhistorical: we allow works from different periods to enter into dialogue with each other and we also change the arrangement regularly. This lets us promote the image literacy of our visitors: they become more aware that every form of presentation manipulates the eye. By supplementing classic wall texts with, for example, interviews and personal stories, we ensure that visitors become more attentive and curious. That in turn opens up new possibilities for placing works from different periods side by side in a meaningful way. In other words, the focus on image literacy and the transhistorical approach reinforce each other.