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Aerial view of a group of people standing on a concrete surface, forming the letters "SOS".
DW

Descriptions of struggle at an art exhibition in Prague

An art exhibition in Prague is stirring up quite a bit of concern, as it highlights the political fight for cultural expression in nearby Slovakia.

DW & The World

At the end of November 2024, employees first announced that the situation at the institution was so serious that they were considering quitting their jobs. Out of about 235 people, more than 100 eventually resigned in January and February. Other employees continue to resign. The SNG – SOS video was created by employees in the courtyard of the institution. It sent a clear message to the public and the Ministry of Culture that they are concerned about the situation in the gallery.
Held on January 27, 2025.

The Free National Gallery

An art exhibition in the Czech capital, Prague, is causing a good bit of consternation.

A group of people wearing yellow face masks with a frowning expression and the letters 'B!B' on them, gathered in an outdoor area with a red ceiling, some carrying backpacks and a bicycle visible on the right.
The protest seen was organized to support illustrators who boycotted the Bratislava Biennial of Illustrations 2025. It was directed against the non-transparent functioning of Bibiana and the way the event was organized at the Slovak National Gallery. Participants stood silently around the gallery wearing masks with the logo WE LOVE BIB / WE BOYCOTT BIB 2025 designed by Ďuro Balogh. The event was organized in cooperation with Open Culture!, ASIL – Association of Illustrators, ej publishing, This! is gallery, Art Will Not Be Silent! and The Free National Gallery. Held on October 3, 2025.Andrea Kalinová/The Free National Gallery

It details the political struggle for cultural expression in neighboring Slovakia.

A wall covered with posters featuring Slovak text and graphic designs, including a red circle with a horizontal line and a green arrow shape. The posters have repetitive text and color variations, such as black, white, red, green, and yellow, creating a striking pattern.
Posters emphasizing the ‘Cultural Strike’ at the Free National Gallery in Bratislava, showcased during the exhibition in Prague.Jan Kolsky/The Free National Gallery

The exhibition, “Free National Gallery – Description of a Struggle,” documents the dismissals, resignations, strikes and stand-offs in Slovakia under the populist government of current Prime Minister Robert Fico.

A building facade with graffiti in bright pink spray paint reading 'NEBERTE NÁM KULTÚRU' painted across two weathered wooden doors, surrounded by ivy and foliage.
The message appeared on the garage shortly after the “summer dismissals” of statutory representatives in cultural institutions. It became iconic, part of Roman Ondak’s work, and is now part of art history. Leontína Berková/The Free National Gallery

From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Rob Cameron reports from Prague.

Click on the audio player above to hear the full report.

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