South Korean Artists Petition Against Bartomeu Marí's MMCA Director Appointment Following Censorship Controversy

Over 800 South Korean artists, curators, and cultural figures have signed a petition opposing Bartomeu Marí's potential appointment as director of Seoul's Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. The petition, organized by Petition 4 Art, cites Marí's resignation from MACBA following a censorship scandal as raising concerns about his suitability for Korea's current cultural-political climate. Signatories include prominent artists Lee Bul and Haegue Yang, along with curators Seungduk Kim and Binna Choi. The group questions whether Marí possesses the ethical standards needed to navigate Korea's bureaucratic restrictions on artistic freedom rather than merely protecting institutional interests. Despite receiving endorsement from Tate Modern's Chris Dercon and engaging in discussions with petitioners, skepticism remains about his appointment. Petition 4 Art also demands greater transparency in the year-long selection process and an end to government interference in public art institutions' independence. The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism is expected to make its decision shortly, with Marí being shortlisted alongside two local candidates. The petition reflects broader anxieties within Korea's art community about censorship and institutional autonomy.