The Meetup offers a framework in which NEMO members can exchange ideas, raise their own issues and learn from each other. When it comes to challenging topics such as political influence, NEMO offers a protected framework for collegial counselling.
Along with the outcomes of NEMO’s recent Barometer on political pressure on museums and the growing numbers of enquiries on this topic, we were keen to discuss the topic with our members and set the topic ‘political pressure’ for the NEMO Members’ Meetup in June.
There were 19 member representatives in attendance. After a brief welcome by Hanna Belz, NEMO Project Officer and organiser of the meetup, there were three short presentations. NEMO’s Secretary General Julia Pagel opened with a presentation of the NEMO Barometer, offering insights into the growing political influence on museums across Europe. The findings paint a concerning picture: societal polarisation is increasingly putting pressure on museum operations, raising serious concerns about their independence and perceived neutrality. According to the Barometer, more than 70% of respondents observe a rise in polarisation in their countries, and a majority of museums, national museum organisations, and related institutions report being affected by political pressure.
Secondly, Tina Altmayer, Deputy Managing Director of the German Museums Association since 2023, gave a compelling presentation showcasing the association’s active role in shaping political discourse around museums in Germany. As a strong advocate for the sector and its workforce, the association has put forward 10 key demands to the current German federal government, underlining its commitment to democratic values. These demands, along with the themes of their recent annual conference 'Museums Strengthen Democracy’, reflect the association’s ongoing and dedicated political engagement.
Finally, Marcela Kvetková from the Bratislava City Museum delivered a powerful presentation on the increasingly alarming situation facing cultural heritage museums in Slovakia. As founder of the Platform of Free Museums, she outlined how recent political shifts following the 2023 parliamentary elections have deeply affected the country’s cultural sector. With the rise of a conservative-nationalist coalition government, Slovakia has seen growing societal polarisation, centralisation of power in the Ministry of Culture, and legal reforms passed through fast-track procedures - undermining transparency, accountability, and institutional autonomy. Kvetková highlighted severe impacts on major cultural institutions, including budget cuts, leadership changes, and the creation of a centralised authority that threatens museum control over collections. The government's ideological agenda - rooted in nationalism and paired with economic motivations - has led to the destabilisation of key institutions and the resignation of numerous professionals. In response, the cultural sector is organising resistance through networks, public appeals, protests, and legal action. Initiatives like the Bratislava Declaration and the work of the Platform of Free Museums underline the determination to defend open, democratic cultural spaces in Slovakia.
Following Marcela Kvetková’s moving presentation, a lively and engaged discussion unfolded among the participants. Members shared experiences from their own countries, exchanged personal insights, and established valuable new connections - all united by a shared understanding that meaningful impact is best achieved through collective action.
Join us next time
Are you a NEMO member and would you like to present something to the NEMO network at the next Members’ Meetup? Get in touch with us at office@ne-mo.org
Everyone connected to NEMO member organisations is welcome to join, there will be time for casual exchange, a bit of fun, and learning from and with your fellow European museum professionals. We will also save time for spontaneous announcements of upcoming projects and exhibitions, or as a space to pose questions to your network. See you next time after the summer!
