Dr. Jože Dežman: "Millions of dollars are being wasted, and smugglers are flying through the sky in the fog".

The recent decision by this year’s committee responsible for awarding the Valvasor Awards has sparked significant debate over cultural and political direction in Slovenia. The awards were given to individuals and projects recognized for their professional work, dedication to heritage, and contributions to national and global cultural wealth. However, the selection also sent another message—specifically, the omission of the exhibition "Mesto na meji" (City on the Border) held at the Epic Center, which was intended as part of the European Capital of Culture program for 2025, known as GO! 2025. This exclusion raised questions about transparency and accountability within public institutions managing large-scale cultural initiatives.

Throughout last year, attempts were made to uncover the financial details behind the Epic project and the "Mesto na meji" exhibition. Similar inquiries were directed toward the permanent exhibition "Dosanjane sanje" (Dreams of Dosan) at the Military Museum of the Slovenian Armed Forces in Kadetnica, Maribor. Despite repeated requests for information from both entities, responses were evasive, suggesting a reluctance to disclose detailed data.

The costs associated with the "Mesto na meji" exhibition appear substantial. According to figures obtained from the Military Museum, the total cost of the exhibition, including VAT, amounted to 475,964.70 euros. This figure includes expenses such as construction work exceeding 300,000 euros, fees paid to Kaja Širok amounting to more than 85,000 euros, and around 30,000 euros allocated to designers. However, there remains a lack of clarity regarding the approval process and the specific content of the exhibition.

Kaja Širok, who currently holds the position of state secretary in the cabinet of Prime Minister Robert Golob, previously served as director of the European Capital of Culture program for 2025. Her involvement in the planning and execution of the "Mesto na meji" exhibition has drawn criticism, particularly concerning the lack of competitive bidding processes used to select the company responsible for the exhibition. Questions remain about whether her role influenced decisions related to the project's management and whether she fulfilled all contractual obligations tied to its implementation.

Critics argue that the "Mesto na meji" and "Dosanjane sanje" exhibitions have been criticized for lacking depth and coherence. Both exhibits feature catalogs that are seen more as collections of random authors rather than comprehensive reflections on Goriška region or military history. Some observers suggest that these catalogs represent repackaged older texts under new branding, raising concerns about the quality and originality of the content presented.

There has been speculation about potential connections between the exhibitions and external influences, though concrete evidence remains elusive. Kaja Širok has been vocal about themes of inclusivity and participation in media discussions, yet direct answers to pointed questions about the exhibitions' content and management have not been forthcoming. Meanwhile, the "Dosanjane sanje" exhibit has remained largely unnoticed in public discourse, with limited visibility even within the museum itself.

The Epic Center, once a hub of activity, now sees fewer visitors, with its café having closed down. Concerns have been raised about the overall investment in the Epic project, with some estimates suggesting expenditures reaching ten million euros. These developments have prompted calls for greater transparency and scrutiny of how public funds are being utilized in major cultural endeavors. As the situation continues to unfold, further investigations into the management and outcomes of these projects are anticipated.