The Nova Gorica Cultural Centre is looking for a new director - Mija Lorbek has also responded

The Cultural Center of Nova Gorica is seeking a new director following the resignation of Andrej Šušmelj earlier this year. Šušmelj stepped down after less than a year in the role, citing strained relationships and parallel management responsibilities as reasons for his departure. In his place, Žan Bokan has been acting as interim director until the position is filled. His mandate will end in March 2027 or with the appointment of a permanent director. The city council announced a public tender for the director's position, which is open to candidates who meet specific criteria. Written applications are due by August 20, and the selected candidate will serve a five-year term with the possibility of reappointment. The city council, as the founding body, will appoint the director based on the results of the public tender, following the recommendation of the cultural center’s board. Candidates can also be directly invited by the council if needed. Applications require a detailed curriculum vitae, a development plan for the institution during their term, proof of relevant education, evidence of leadership abilities, and at least three years of experience in leadership roles. Applicants must demonstrate advanced knowledge of the Slovenian language and either English or Italian at a higher level. They must also provide documentation confirming they have no criminal convictions or ongoing legal proceedings. The process aims to ensure transparency and fairness in selecting a qualified individual to lead the cultural center. The appointment of a new director is particularly significant because the Cultural Center of Nova Gorica is set to take responsibility for managing the legacy of the European Capital of Culture (EPC) GO! 2025. This decision was made by the city council in June of this year, according to Mayor Samo Turel. He emphasized the importance of starting the selection process promptly, given the upcoming local elections in November and December, which would delay the process into the next year if not addressed soon. The mayor highlighted that it is essential for potential candidates to understand the fundamental act governing the public institution before applying for the leadership role. Speculation arose regarding Mija Lorbek, currently the director of the GO! 2025 organization, possibly being considered for the position. However, she denied these rumors through a statement on social media. She stated that she had no intention of applying for the directorship of the Cultural Center of Nova Gorica. Lorbek explained that her current responsibilities have been extended and that she plans to complete them professionally. She expressed best wishes to anyone considering taking on the cultural path ahead. The situation surrounding the Cultural Center of Nova Gorica has been contentious since the beginning of last year. Before the appointment process began, the city council altered the conditions for the director's selection. The required number of years of managerial experience was reduced from five to three, and the requirement for a degree in humanities was removed. These changes were justified by the council as a means to attract a broader range of candidates, while the opposition argued that the adjustments were tailored to a specific candidate. Following the announcement of the tender, two individuals applied: former principal of Nova Gorica Gymnasium Andrej Šušmelj and musicologist and radio producer Simona Moličnik from Radio Koper. The board of the Cultural Center supported Šušmelj, and the city council approved his appointment in April 2025 with 24 votes in favor and five against. However, concerns were raised among employees about his suitability for leading a central cultural institution in the city. A year later, tensions escalated to a point where employees lost confidence in him. Šušmelj eventually resigned, explaining that his departure was not due to a lack of competence but rather due to working in unsustainable relationships and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Employees accused him of resisting change, digitalization, and other business improvements, while representatives of the staff pointed out a loss of trust and poor leadership style. Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding the Cultural Center has moved to a political level. A civic initiative called “We Are All the Cultural Center” submitted a petition to the city council requesting a subsequent referendum on the decision allowing the Cultural Center to manage the heritage of the European Capital of Culture. The initiators presented 251 signatures with the petition, and if it passes the formal review, they will need to collect approximately 1300 verified voter signatures to proceed with organizing a referendum. The initiative emphasizes that they are not opposed to the heritage of GO! 2025 but criticize the manner in which the decision was made. They highlight a lack of public discussion, unaddressed financial consequences of restructuring, absence of comparative analyses of different management models, and insufficient involvement of employees and the cultural community in preparing for the changes. The city council has responded by stating that it is currently reviewing the petition and verifying its validity.