The Minister of Culture announced a competition for the director of the National Gallery

Prague - Minister of Culture Václav Riedlbauch announced today a selection process for the director of the National Gallery in Prague. He would like to choose a successor to the long-time head of the gallery, Milan Knížák, before the elections. Candidates for the position at one of the most significant cultural institutions in the country can apply until March 31, the ministry informed ČTK.
    It is not yet clear when the new director could take up the position. Knížák has repeatedly stated that he would like to remain at the head of the NG until the end of next year to complete some ongoing projects. Riedlbauch also speaks of the necessity to maintain continuity of the institution; he did not specify a date for the successor's appointment.
    A professional committee is to select the new director of the NG, the composition of which the minister and his advisory board agreed upon last week. However, the ministry has not yet disclosed its composition, though it is expected to include foreign experts.
    Candidates for the position of director of the NG should attach their vision of the mission, goals, and management of the NG to their application and indicate the basic theses for the development of concepts related to the administration and protection of collections, their presentation, acquisition and personnel policy, organizational structure, financing, and operation of the gallery, as well as its potential transformation into another type of organization.
    A minimum of five years of experience in managing a similar institution is required to participate in the competition. Detailed requirements for candidates can be found on the website www.mkcr.cz.