Statement of the United for Contemporary Art (UCA) – May 9, 2013

Statement of the United for Contemporary Art forum from the Ludwig Museum 09.05.2013, 11 pm

On 9 May 2013 United for Contemporary Art occupied the public lobby of the Ludwig Museum as a protest. We keep the museum open through the night by blocking the door, and we await those who would like to join us.

With our original objectives of the action, first and foremost the transparency of cultural decisions, with a restoration of public view – with the mistaken interpretation published in a number of press organs to be corrected – we do not wish to take a stand in connection with the persons of the potential directors.

Published on the website kormány.hu today at 15:28, in connection with the statement referring to the action, the United for Contemporary Art forum feels it is important to share the following with the public:

We challenge the accusation of provoking a hysterical political atmosphere. To the contrary, this is a calm, professional forum, which would like to step up against the untransparent decision-making processes that currently determine the cultural scene.

As far as we are concerned, the practice of 2008 is not a basis of reference. As opposed to the earlier and the current anti-democratic practices, and the inoperability predominating in many fields of culture, we demand the vindication of participatory democracy and professional considerations. The series of autocratic decisions made without professional consultation (including: Hungarian Academy of the Arts [MMA], Műcsarnok/Kunsthalle Budapest, Hungarian National Gallery [MNG]) has compelled the professionals and civilians taking part in the action to adopt the means of civil disobedience.

We aim to change the approach by which state officials handle cultural institutions operated with public funds as if they were their personal property.

We appreciate that, in reaction to our action, the Ministry has decided to extend the deadline for appointing the director by one month, and we propose that this time be applied to professional consultation and agreement. In the interest of substantive agreement, we continue to demand forthwith making public the proceedings of the earlier interviews, and the dissolution of confidentiality and secrecy, as well as:

Professional consultation!
Institutional and professional autonomy!
Professionalism and transparency in cultural decision-making!

The doors are open, come and join us!
United for Contemporary Art