The Museum of Forbidden Art closes indefinitely due to pressure from strikers.
The facility claims it has suffered a 75% drop in revenue and that the situation "is unsustainable."
BarcelonaThe Museum of Forbidden Art remains closed "indefinitely" following pressure exerted by strikers for four months. The ongoing protest has led to "an unsustainable situation" that "has even put museum visitors and staff at risk."
Tatxo Benet inaugurated the Museum of Forbidden Art at the Casa Garriga Nogués on Diputació Street in Barcelona a year and a half ago. The facility displayed a selection of the more than 200 works that Benet has purchased since acquiring Political prisoners in contemporary Spain, by Santiago Sierra, at the 2018 Arco fairThe protests stem from the museum's decision on January 22nd to terminate its contract with Magma Cultura, which employed seven workers. According to the museum, these workers were relocated to other facilities in the city. However, they appealed to the SUT union and, along with other workers from two other companies subcontracted by the museum—Silicia and Palacios y Museos—began an indefinite strike on February 26th.
Among the workers' demands was improved working conditions. Specifically, they asked for air conditioning in the facility's rooms and for them to be provided with appropriate clothing so they wouldn't be exposed "to drafts in winter." They also demanded "ergonomic chairs so they wouldn't have to stand for nine-hour days," more staff on weekends, twenty-minute breaks after five-hour days, bonus payments during holidays, and compensation for holidays worked, among other demands.
The Museum of Forbidden Art emphasizes that its staff "has never been on strike," nor have the other subcontracted companies. The consequences of the protest, says the organization, have resulted in "a 75% drop in revenue compared to the previous year" and "the projected growth forecasts have decreased by 95%." The museum also insists that it has passed three labor inspections, participated in two unsuccessful mediation sessions, and achieved "a favorable court ruling that makes clear that the fundamental right to strike has not been violated." Given all this, the organization is closing its doors indefinitely and will be transformed "into a nomadic collection with traveling exhibitions around the world that will remain alive to become a meeting point for reflection to confront censorship."
