Statement about the institution’s plan of action

Kraków, 19 May 2026

 

Statement

Following the media coverage and public responses regarding MOCAK, as Acting Director of the Museum, I would like to set out our position on the current situation and the institution’s plan of action. It is important to us that our communications with the public are transparent and based on integrity and mutual trust.  In order to regain the conditions for calm and harmonious work, as a team we wish to clarify the issues most frequently raised in the public debate concerning the future of the Museum.

1. We are aware that the decision by several artists to withdraw from exhibitions at MOCAK has stirred up emotions and prompted a public reaction. I understand, respect and accept the position of the artists. I have reached out to them to discuss possible ways forward directly and in a spirit of dialogue. The planned exhibitions have not yet been allocated funding, which has significantly hindered their implementation. Our priority is to ensure that the MOCAK audience continues to enjoy access to outstanding art. We sincerely hope to renew and continue our fruitful collaboration with artists once the Museum’s organisational and financial situation has stabilised.
2. As regards the planned Kiki Smith exhibition, given the current stage of the preparations and the little time remaining before its planned opening date, we regret that it will not possible to do justice to the project by the original deadline. Following consultation with the artist, a decision has been taken to postpone the exhibition to a later date. The artist is content with the proposed change of date.

1. The Eleanor Antin retrospective exhibition will go ahead as planned. The museum remains in close contact with its project partners – MUDAM Luxembourg and the Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein – and is co-ordinating further steps regarding the exhibition on an ongoing basis.
2. We intend to continue the re:primer and Fort Sztuki projects as scheduled. We will also be expanding our programme of educational activities, which has for years been a key part of the Museum’s work and reflects its high standards and our ambitious programme.
3. The year 2026 brings the 15^th anniversary of the opening of the Museum’s first exhibition. To mark the occasion, an exhibition based on the MOCAK Collection will open to the public in July, also showcasing works never exhibited before. We will shortly provide further information about the exhibitions and events planned to mark the MOCAK Jubilee.

Today, the Museum’s priority remains, as ever, the responsible management of the institution, while restoring an ethos inductive to co-operation and mutual trust, and the conditions for the team to continue to carry out its work calmly and professionally. We believe that the above information will help to address the concerns raised in the public sphere and highlight the direction of the Museum’s future activities.

Please follow our activities and take part in events organised by MOCAK. We welcome dialogue and substantive discussion regarding art and the role of cultural institutions. We hope to see you again soon at exhibitions and events at the Museum.

Grzegorz Kuźma

Acting Director