documenta: Final report on the organizational structure

Documenta's Final Report: Reinventing Organizational Structure in the Face of Controversy

After the anti-Semitism incidents at documenta fifteen, a 46-page report filled with 22 recommendations for organizational development has been released. This report, published by documenta und Museum Fridericianum gGmbH, was created by financial advisory firm Metrum.

Last year's documenta was marred by an anti-Semitism scandal, which has also tainted the upcoming documenta in 2027. This latest controversy stemmed from renewed allegations of anti-Semitism against a selection committee member for the 16th edition of the exhibition. Ultimately, both the member and the whole selection committee stepped down. Documenta, along with the Venice Biennale, is widely recognized as the most influential contemporary art exhibition worldwide.

The report's recommendations focus on both management and operational structures, as announced by documenta gGmbH. The aim is to implement measures against anti-Semitism and other forms of discrimination, fully protecting artistic freedom and bolstering the crisis resilience and future viability of the non-profit documenta und Museum Fridericianum GmbH.

Some of the report's main recommendations include:

1. Retaining the search committee with adjustments and implementing two codes of conduct for upholding human dignity and artistic freedom.
2. Emphasizing the role of the Supervisory Board while reducing its size and granting the German federal government voting rights on the board, without granting them shares.
3. Clarifying the employment and artistic duties of the management and development of a new organizational chart for the gGmbH.

Enrichment Data:

By delving into the detailed recommendations featured in the final report, key changes to the organizational structure of documenta and Museum Fridericianum include:

1. Retention of the Search Committee with Adjustments:
2. The task of assembling a Finding Committee for each documenta exhibition should remain with the Supervisory Board. However, just as with the appointment of the committee members, the committee's role needs to be clearly defined and written down, with a commitment to ensuring maximum diversity in its objectives[1][3].
3. Development of Two Codes of Conduct:
4. Developing two Codes of Conduct is necessary: one for documenta und Museum Fridericianum GmbH and another for the Artistic Direction. Both codes should represent the fundamental values guiding all actions, with a clear stance against anti-Semitism, racism, and other forms of discrimination[1][3].
5. Clarification of Tasks Between Management and Artistic Direction:
6. Establishing a binding set of Rules of Procedure for the Management is essential to define the division of responsibilities. Management should refrain from taking on curatorial tasks, solely focusing on strategic, organizational, and financial matters. It should also protect the prescribed values and engage in dialogue with the Artistic Direction[1][3].
7. Introduction of a Management Board:
8. Introducing a Management Board would enable better leadership and ensure effective communication among management, leaders, and directors. This Board would represent various members, including heads, directors, and both Management and Artistic Directions[1][3].
9. Establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board:
10. A Scientific Advisory Board of six individuals should be established. This Board's Chair would also serve as an advisory member with no voting rights on the Supervisory Board. Its purpose is to clarify the roles of Management and Artistic Direction, as well as to ensure that the implemented strategies are scientifically sound and effective[1].

By instituting these changes, the goal is to strike a balance between protecting artistic freedom and addressing anti-Semitism and other types of discrimination, emphasizing the importance of documenta's exhibitions in maintaining a respectful atmosphere that does not violate human dignity.