MISSION & VISION

FOMU: Cherishing and sharing the power, vulnerability, and magic of photography
Photographic imagery enjoys a unique relationship with reality. In today's society, a deep understanding of visual representation is essential to comprehending the world around us.

This understanding has inspired FOMU to sharpen its visual awareness and make photography accessible within both a historical and a contemporary context. Today's experimentation becomes tomorrow's heritage. With this in mind, we stimulate creation, dynamism, and innovation while encouraging people to broaden their horizons through photography.

VALUES

FOMU is curious, authentic, driven, and intuitive. We offer an open and dynamic space characterised by diversity and inclusivity for all. Our four core values serve as a compass for connection and collaboration.

Curiosity - We actively seek out blind spots, withhold judgment, and embrace experimentation.

Authenticity – We are honest, reliable, and responsible in our relationships with others.

Drive - We offer a vibrant and inspirational setting in which people can meet and exchange ideas.

Intuition - We listen to our instincts, welcome doubt and vulnerability, and offer a safe space for learning and creativity.

PHOTOGRAPHIC HERITAGE

Photographic imagery lies at the heart of FOMU's activities and collection. Our historical collection is diverse and encompasses a wide range of applications and practices, from applied to autonomous photography. Our current collection profile focuses on autonomous artistic and documentary photography in all its myriad forms.

FOMU collects and exhibits photographic heritage spanning the history of photography in Belgium and Flanders and positions it within the broader scope of global developments and practices.

CRITERIA

Photography has many forms, applications, and practitioners. At FOMU, we don’t distinguish between good and bad. Instead, we are driven by four core criteria that inform our decisions, shape our actions, and make our philosophy clear to all.

1. Contemporary relevance
Everything we do is topical and relevant to modern society. We deliberately choose historical and contemporary subjects and projects that are interesting and relatable to a modern audience. We encourage reflection on societal issues and contribute to the prevailing social discourse.

2. Multivocality
We opt for subjects and projects that offer a multifaceted perspective on photographic imagery and the world. We also actively seek out and hold space for different views and perspectives and encourage the representation and involvement of creators from underrepresented communities and backgrounds.

3. Critical reflection on the medium and its evolution
Photography and reality have a multifaceted relationship. We are interested in the mechanisms of photography and deliberately work with photographers who critically engage with the medium or its history and are aware of artistic-conceptual positions and visual language.

4. Ethical position
Due to its complex relationship with reality, photography inevitably raises ethical questions. We are keenly aware of the context in which images emerge and exist. As a result, we always consider the intention and impact of images. We approach all images with the necessary caution and contextualise them within their historical context.