Dear friends of ERSTE Foundation,

I am deeply troubled by the events in Slovakia in the last weeks. The Slovak Ministry of Culture threatens the very foundation of artistic freedom and democratic principles in Slovakia. The dismissal of key cultural leaders, such as the Director General of the Slovak National Gallery, Alexandra Kusá, and the Director of the Slovak National Theatre, Matej Drlička, is a clear attempt to undermine the cultural institutions that have been built over years of dedication and hard work. These actions also send a chilling message to artists and cultural practitioners across the country. Already earlier this year the new nationalistic policies introduced by the Slovak government, led to the resignation of Jen Kratochvil, the director of Kunsthalle Bratislava, due to the revocation of funding for its 2024 artistic and educational program. This is a stark example of the government’s attempt to control and censor cultural production.

There are cultural institutions in Slovakia (and Hungary) that do not have to worry any interference with their programme. Their directors do not have to fear for their position because the government and/or policies have changed. The ERSTE Foundation has been supporting independent spaces for contemporary art in Eastern Europe for more than 20 years. In Bratislava, tranzit.sk is doing excellent work. So do tranzit.hu in Budapest, tranzit.cz in Prague and tranzit.ro in Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca and Iași. This is why the commitment of philanthropic foundations and other members of civil society is so important. They are still there when public support turns into opposition.

But, of course, private commitment cannot and should not replace a serious cultural policy. Artistic freedom is crucial for any democratic society, and we strongly oppose all attempts to undermine it.

We call on the international community, cultural organisations and individuals to show solidarity with the Slovak cultural community. Let us work together to ensure that artistic expression remains free and artists’ voices are not silenced. Together we can make a difference and uphold the values that are essential for a vibrant and democratic society.

Yours,
Boris Marte, CEO ERSTE Foundation

Header image: Vaclav Salek / CTK / picturedesk.com