The battle for the top of the People's House Maribor: 9 candidates for one office, 22 for another

Maribor’s National House faces intense competition for leadership roles as two key positions attract a record number of candidates. The upcoming transition marks a pivotal moment for one of Slovenia's largest cultural institutions, with the departure of long-serving director Vladimir Rukavina and his deputy Andrej Borko scheduled for next year. The search for their successors has already sparked considerable interest, with nine applicants vying for the role of director and 22 candidates competing for the position of assistant director overseeing the Rotovž Centre. The National House, which has been under Rukavina’s guidance since its establishment in 1992, will soon enter a new chapter. Rukavina, who has led the institution for nearly three decades, has agreed to step down after completing the current fiscal year. His decision comes amid plans to gradually transfer responsibilities to his successor, ensuring a smooth transition. The city council’s committee responsible for mandates, elections, and appointments has expedited the recruitment process, aiming to find someone capable of taking charge quickly and leading independently by April of the following year. Eva Lozina, president of the board of the public institution, played a crucial role in selecting the new leadership team. She will continue to oversee the selection process, working alongside the city council’s committee. According to the committee chairwoman, Davorka Pregl, interviews with the candidates will take place during the first week of September. A proposal for the new director could be ready for the council meeting planned for September 24. The appointment of the director will follow the acquisition of prior opinions from the board of the National House and the expert advisory board. Rukavina’s tenure has included notable achievements, such as the recent Lent Festival, which marked his final event in charge. The festival, held in March, was widely regarded as a successful culmination of his time at the helm. Meanwhile, the future of the Rotovž Centre remains uncertain, though some expect clarity by late August. The centre, which includes the Maribor Library, the Art Gallery Maribor, and the Cinema Rotovž, is set to benefit from a third assistant director, tasked with organizing and coordinating activities among these entities. The search for this new assistant director has attracted a large pool of candidates, with 22 applications received for the position. Rukavina has indicated he will conduct interviews with the most promising applicants within the next week. Once selected, the new assistant director will work under Rukavina until the latter formally steps down, ensuring continuity in operations. The appointment will require approval from the board of the National House, which is currently chaired by Lozina. As the recruitment processes unfold, the National House stands at a crossroads, poised for change while maintaining its legacy. With both leadership roles attracting substantial attention, the coming months will determine the direction of this vital cultural hub in Maribor. The outcome of these searches will shape the institution’s trajectory for years to come.