'Rubens fans' protest against KMSKA sponsorship by TotalEnergies: "Museum is polishing its image"

Environmental activists protested at the KMSKA museum in Antwerp against its sponsorship by TotalEnergies, claiming it tarnishes the museum's reputation. The group, calling themselves 'Rubensfans', sang protest songs and criticized the museum for accepting funds from a company they accuse of contributing to climate change. KMSKA's director, Carmen Willems, defended the sponsorship, stating that the museum relies on private funding for restoration projects due to a lack of government support. She emphasized that TotalEnergies meets ethical sponsorship criteria and has a better environmental score than its competitors. The museum has previously invited activists for discussions, but they have not accepted the invitation.