Silesian Museum Director Alicja Knast Dismissed Amid Financial Audit Controversy

Alicja Knast has been ousted from her role as director of the Silesian Museum in Katowice, Poland, following financial mismanagement revealed in an audit, as stated by the provincial board. Although Poland's cultural minister, Piotr Glinski, acknowledged the irregularities, he deemed them insufficient for her to be fired, opting instead to let local authorities make that call. Knast, who recently received a medal for her artistic achievements, plans to contest the decision. Marcin Gwoździewicz, a cultural director from the provincial board, will step in as the new leader. This dismissal, which occurred on February 6, 2020, reflects ongoing disputes over appointments in Polish cultural institutions by the right-wing government, including the controversial choice of Piotr Bernatowicz in November 2019.