National gallery director fired, informed of dismissal reasons via press release
While the opposition has announced a protest against Culture Minister Šimkovičová’s actions, a second petition calling for her removal once again seems to be a success.
The day after criticising the dismissal of the national theatre director, Alexandra Kusá also found herself out of a managerial job at the Slovak National Gallery.
“The reasons are simple: the minister doesn’t want to cooperate with me.,” Kusá told the Sme daily. “There’s nothing in the dismissal decree.”
Kusá had worked as a curator at the Slovak National Gallery (SNG) since 2000 before becoming its director in 2010. Under her leadership, the gallery completed an extensive and long-delayed renovation costing €79 million, the largest public building investment in Slovak history, which even garnered praise from abroad.
The Culture Ministry, led by right-wing nationalist Martina Šimkovičová, a nominee of the Slovak National Party, cited “unacceptable conduct” by Kusá during the gallery’s renovation as the reason for her dismissal. The ministry pointed to alleged managerial failures and a conflict of interest, accusing Kusá of being the daughter of a partner in the company that initially won the renovation contract. According to the ministry, Kusá, as director, signed amendments to the 2005 contract with the firm managed by her father, Miroslav. The ministry also criticised Kusá for the recent presentation of Slovakia at the Venice Biennale, claiming that Slovak culture and art were insufficiently promoted at the event.
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