National Gallery Prague selection committee faces criticism and resignations

Two members, photographers Lukáš and Lenka Jasanští, have resigned from the selection committee tasked with choosing a new director for the National Gallery Prague. Their departure follows intense criticism from experts regarding the committee's composition.

The Art Historical Society (UHS) and other academics, including Richard Biegel from Charles University, have described the selection of members as “bizarre, amateurish, and comic.” Critics argue that many appointees lack the necessary expertise to evaluate candidate projects or understand the institutional needs of the gallery. Concerns were specifically raised regarding members with ties to the commercial art market and the absence of representatives from the academic sphere.

Minister of Culture Oto Klempíř defended his decision, stating that the committee's composition was his own choice and that all members are familiar with the Czech cultural scene. He expressed surprise at the public pressure directed at specific individuals. This selection process follows a previous attempt in June that was canceled after two of the three finalists withdrew.