German Intellectuals Accuse Politicians of Commercializing documenta

A group of German intellectuals, critics, curators, and academics has published an open letter to the board of documenta, accusing local and state politicians of using a €7 million deficit from documenta 14 to restructure the quinquennial exhibition toward commercialization and undermine its artistic autonomy. The letter defends former CEO Annette Kulenkampff, who resigned after being blamed for the budget overrun, and argues that the board deliberately manufactured the financial crisis to limit future independence. The signatories demand the creation of an international expert advisory committee, the preservation of documenta's non-profit status, and a permanent position for Kulenkampff. The controversy follows documenta 14, held in Kassel and Athens in 2017 under artistic director Adam Szymczyk, who previously accused the board of fabricating criticism for political reasons.