New Museum Director Assumes Role Amid Controversy in Budva

The situation at the Museum and Galleries of Budva has reached a critical point as new director Ivana Čupić officially took over her role despite ongoing disputes regarding her appointment. On December 2, 2023, the previous director, Lucija Đurašković, alleged that the new administration forcibly entered her office, leading to police involvement. This conflict raises significant questions about governance and legitimacy at the institution.

Branka Čvorović, president of the Museum Council, confirmed that Čupić successfully accessed her office, although Đurašković had not returned the keys. According to Čvorović, the team had to enter using an alternative key, following proper procedures and approvals from the founding body, the Municipality of Budva. She emphasized that they acted legitimately and with transparency.

In sharp contrast, Đurašković claimed that the new administration’s actions amounted to breaking and entering. “They broke into my office, and the new director was appointed using a forged seal,” she stated. She further explained that she had not received an official notice of her dismissal and had reported the incident to the police.

When pressed for details, Đurašković refuted claims made by Čvorović that she had received a dismissal notice via courier weeks earlier. “They sent me a decision stating I was dismissed from my position from 2021, which is absurd,” she said, asserting that she still fulfills her duties and has been signing payroll documents.

The controversy surrounding the leadership of the Museum extends beyond the immediate conflict. Đurašković, who served as director from 2017 to 2021, believes that the institution’s statute allows her to continue in her role until a new director is officially appointed. When questioned about the legitimacy of her extended tenure, she attributed the situation to the municipality’s failure to appoint a new council during her time in charge. “I was leading the Museum during this entire period; it’s not my fault there was no council to dismiss me,” she stated.

Furthermore, the former director expressed concerns about potential theft following the forced entry into her office. “Now that they have broken into my office, I can’t be sure if anything valuable has been stolen,” she remarked, highlighting the importance of safeguarding the Museum’s assets.

Meanwhile, Čupić has yet to publicly comment on the situation, despite promises to address the media. In a brief message, she indicated that she had been receiving inappropriate messages related to her new role.

In a statement to the press, Čvorović reassured that all employees, including the new director and council members, are present and working together. She concluded, “We entered the office regularly with support from the founders and municipality. There was no need for external assistance; everything proceeded smoothly.”

The unfolding events at the Museum and Galleries of Budva not only reflect internal strife but also raise broader questions regarding governance, communication, and institutional integrity within the cultural sector in Montenegro. As both sides prepare for further legal actions, the future of the Museum remains uncertain.