Adam Budak fired as MOCAK director after employee complaint
Adam Budak is no longer the director of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK), as announced by the mayor on May 16. This decision stemmed from concerns about his management skills and team collaboration. Grzegorz Kuźma, who is the deputy director, stepped in as the acting director starting May 12, while Budak’s official end date is June 30. The move came after 37 staff members filed a complaint, reported by Onet. Budak has called his dismissal unjust and under pressure, and he’s considering appealing the decision. Meanwhile, artist Robert Knoke is advocating for mediation, and Paulina Ołowska has started a petition to support Budak. In a show of solidarity, several artists have pulled out of MOCAK's 2026–27 program.
Key facts
- Adam Budak dismissed as MOCAK director
- City of Krakow announced decision on 16 May
- Official reason: improper performance of duties
- Deputy director Grzegorz Kuźma acting director since 12 May
- Budak's employment ends 30 June
- Investigation followed complaint by 37 employees
- Budak considers appeal, calls dismissal baseless
- Four artists resigned from 2026–27 programme in solidarity
Entities
Artists
- Adam Budak
- Robert Knoke
- Paulina Ołowska
- Monika Drożyńska
- Wilhelm Sasnal
- Katarzyna Krakowiak-Bałka
- Gabrielle Goliath
Institutions
- Museum of Contemporary Art in Krakow (MOCAK)
- City of Krakow
- Onet
- Museum of Contemporary Art in Kraków (MOCAK)
- Jagiellonian University
- Central European University
- Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden
- Manifesta 7
- Prague Biennale
- Gherdëin Biennale
- Venice Biennale
- National Gallery in Prague
- Kestner Gesellschaft
Locations
- Krakow
- Poland
- Kraków
- Prague
- Czech Republic
- Washington DC
- United States
- Hanover
- Germany