After the end of documenta fifteen in Kassel, which was controversial due to allegations of anti-Semitism, the documenta forum warns against restricting the freedom of the artistic direction of the world art show. He appealed to the partners and supporting institutions of the documenta to “stick to the principles of the worldwide unique exhibition of contemporary art,” the association announced on Tuesday. This included putting together a high-ranking international selection committee and the sole responsibility of the selected artistic directors for the exhibition.
“Only with these unique selling points can the documenta continue to exist as a cultural institution with international appeal and enter into a new discourse on contemporary art every five years,” emphasized the Circle of Friends. Interventions in the structure of the documenta could also lead to a deep cut in the freedom of art in Germany due to their exemplary effect.
In view of the anti-Semitism scandal at the documenta, calls for a far-reaching structural reform of the exhibition had become louder. For example, the federal government was asked to have more say in the show.
