Free National Gallery Opening Evening

Milan Haluška sent me this invitation to the opening of a fascinating new exhibition on the disruption of culture at the GHMP LIBRARY in Prague, so I am spreading the word, please join in!

Following the Protected content , Slovakia’s new government appointed a Slovak National Party nominee to lead the Ministry of Culture, initiating the systematic dismantling of cultural institutions. The ministry’s approach was less ideological than personnel-driven, focused primarily on undermining professional expertise.

What unfolded exceeded all expectations: exhibition bans and project cancellations, disadvantageous contracts, and what appeared to many as a descent into complete amateurism. Gallery staff responded through creative, civic, and professional resistance—ultimately culminating in mass resignations.

This exhibition represents neither pure activism nor straightforward documentation, though it incorporates both. Rather, it exemplifies an emerging genre: a living artistic community offering its own “description of a struggle.” It seeks to contribute to the political history of art while expanding the boundaries of art history and exhibition practice.

The show embodies GHMP’s longstanding principles: using artistic projects and visual interventions to articulate clear positions on contemporary social and political issues, foster critical thinking among visitors.

I am looking forward to ongoing discussions about this fascinating exhibition during and after the event!I