MINO is a new start-up within the cultural field committed to the regenerative impact of art in society.

  • is an independent art and community space where young, emerging artists and creatives from Belgium and The Netherlands can connect, develop and thrive.

    “We believe in art as a catalyst for systemic change and find common ground with creatives pushing boundaries, reimagining narratives, and building community. “

    With our residencies, exhibitions, and mentorship we provide the space, support and strategies for young creatives to build sustainable practices.

  • supports forward thinking cultural professionals and non-profit organizations in the shift to an inclusive, innovative and healthy cultural sector. Our services help you go beyond lip service, to take action and make structural change happen.

  • Our rooftop community garden is a hidden green oasis in Antwerp-North to unwind. It is where we reconnect with each other, ourselves and nature. The garden offers nutritious soil for conversations and creative practices on healing, wellbeing, sustainability and community-building.

We are located in a renovated historic warehouse of 450m2 in Antwerp Dam.

The name MINO is derived from the pioneering spirit of the Dahomey Amazons tribe, also called Minon, meaning ‘our mothers’ in Fon.

They were a brave all-female militia who defended the country of Benin, then known as Dahomey, from 1650 until 1890 when they fought against French colonisation.

The Minon stood for unity, strength, and fostering their heritage.

The last surviving Mino warrior named Mawi died in 1979 but their legacy lives on and became an emblem of female empowerment.

OUR STORY

OUR STORY

MINO is a new initiative of Ama Koranteng-Kumi and Tinne Langens. After a combined +20 years of working experience in and with cultural institutions, Ama and Tinne founded MINO out of the dream and urgency to bring positive change to the arts sector.

Ama has been strengthening cultural institutions in the Netherlands and Belgium in the field of organizational culture, change management and diversity & inclusion for over 10 years. She is also the founder of the award-winning social-green project Bloei & Groei. Ama is a strategic thinker and doer, who uses her strong analytical skills to unravel complex organizational issues into clear strategies and actions. In this she works closely with leaders and management. 

Tinne was head of public at FOMU for more than 10 years, where she coordinated the D&I change process. She is a hands-on experienced project coordinator with expertise in co-creation, human-centered design and arts education. Tinne launched several projects for young makers that have become best practice’s of inclusive youth work in Belgium.

MEET THE TEAM