documenta Names Sabine Schormann as New CEO After Budget Scandal
documenta, the quinquennial contemporary art exhibition, has appointed Sabine Schormann as its new CEO, following a period of turmoil. The previous CEO, Annette Kulenkampff, resigned after a €6 million budget overrun linked to the 2017 edition, which expanded to Athens under artistic director Adam Szymczyk. A judicial inquiry into suspected misappropriation of public funds was opened in February 2018, though no charges have been filed. Schormann, currently overseeing two major art trusts in northern Germany—the Sparkasse Bank Foundation of Lower Saxony and the VGH Insurance Foundation—brings expertise in banking and insurance intermediation. Her appointment follows a six-month search supported by a global HR agency. Kassel Mayor Christian Geselle expressed confidence in her ability to restore credibility and lead preparations for documenta 15, scheduled to open on June 18, 2022. The search for a new artistic director is also underway.
Key facts
- documenta appointed Sabine Schormann as new CEO in April 2018.
- Previous CEO Annette Kulenkampff resigned after a €6 million budget overrun.
- Budget overrun was caused by the 2017 edition split between Kassel and Athens.
- Artistic director Adam Szymczyk was criticized for curatorial and financial decisions.
- A judicial inquiry for suspected misappropriation of public funds opened in February 2018.
- No official charges have been filed, according to German Attorney General Götz Wied.
- Schormann previously directed two art trusts: Sparkasse Bank Foundation of Lower Saxony and VGH Insurance Foundation.
- documenta 15 is scheduled to open on June 18, 2022, in Kassel.
Entities
Artists
- Adam Szymczyk
Institutions
- documenta
- Sparkasse Bank Foundation of Lower Saxony
- VGH Insurance Foundation
- Artribune
Locations
- Kassel
- Athens
- Germany
- Lower Saxony