Culture Ministry: Candidates for SNG Director Post Can Apply Until March 17

Bratislava, March 10 (TASR) - The Culture Ministry has announced a new selection process for the post of general director of the Slovak National Gallery, with candidates able to apply until March 17, while the selection will take place at the ministry on April 8, TASR has learnt from a post on the gallery's website. "Applicants will be notified of the specific date and time by phone or email. By sending a written application, applicants will acknowledge the date and location of the selection process," the ministry stated, adding that further information will be provided to those interested. Whether the specified requirements for candidates have been fulfilled will be assessed by a selection committee appointed by the ministry. The selection process will consist of two parts: candidates will demonstrate their foreign-language proficiency in a written test, and their professional knowledge and personal qualifications will be evaluated in a personal interview with the selection committee. The Culture Ministry announced a selection process for the post of general director of the Slovak National Gallery in early February. Candidates were allowed to apply until February 13. However, the ministry declared the private hearing of candidates, which took place on February 19, invalid when a conflict of interest with one of the members of the selection committee was identified. The Slovak National Gallery has been without a proper statutory head since August 2024, when Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova (a Slovak National Party/SNS nominee) dismissed Alexandra Kusa from the post. Both Anton Bittner and Milos Timko have headed the gallery as temporarily authorised statutory representatives, while Jaroslav Ninaj is currently in charge. lin/df