They believe that the development of the unique Museum, which is connected to the natural, architectural, archaeological and historical attractions can only provide a subject matter expert. “RG” was apprised of the situation.
Since may of last year, the Museum-reserve in the chalk hills was led by the Deputy Director, head of Department of Museum activities of Sofya Kondrateva. Prior to that, she worked here for more than ten years. Sophia as the chief took in “Divnogorie” unconditionally. Candidate of historical Sciences, master, University of Manchester. She was a professional caving (key object Divas – cave complex), studied Museum management. In 2016, received the award of the Central Federal district in the field of literature and art, and in 2018 – the President prize for young cultural professionals.
the status of the acting Director Sophia from scratch organized the overhaul, planned to deploy an open repository. Along the reserve to the strategic goal of inclusion of “Divnogorie” in the list of UNESCO world heritage. Last summer it held a lot of events, won the new exhibition “When the rock was iron.”
“We were making plans to attract additional financing, particularly long-lasting and “humane” navigation, preparing the project of creating a Museum of the Playground – said Kondratiev, summing up years of work on a post of the head. – And most importantly, slowed down the transmission of the cave complex in the Big Divas (Voronezh diocese wanted to make his ownership of the monastery. – Ed.). For the “Divnogorie” is very important to maintain the integrity”.
Speaking about the plans, Sophia announced he had to leave. The Department of culture of the Voronezh region, whose submission is Museum-reserve, decided to appoint the Director of the specialist with side. It was a surprise for staff, because previous officials did not Express dissatisfaction with the work of the Museum. In an interview with “RG” Sophia Kondratyev confirmed that a clear claim to her work did not speak. Except that dealing with the press encouraged to conduct with the permission of the Department. “After I gave notice, told the Sofia is expected to meet in the Department. But it was canceled”.
the Situation received a great response, the confusion about such a personnel policy was expressed by the famous Voronezh. Honored artist of Russia Camille Tukaev called it a huge mistake, explaining that Sofia is a “modern, young and advanced leader”, a competent specialist.
scientific Secretary of the regional Museum named after I. Kramskoy Natalia Bakina has called the government’s decision “inexplicable from the standpoint of normal logic”: “the High professionalism of Sophia recognized as the Russian Museum community… For their professional success�� she was awarded by the President. And the Department of culture of the region its operations are not supported”.
the Museum Staff made an appeal to the Minister of culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova, the Governor of Voronezh Alexander Gusev, head of the regional Department of culture Mary Mazur. It said that the team is deeply outraged by the situation with the appointment of a new Director and is seeking approval in this post Kondratyev. The letter was signed by all the staff – from the Director to the tractor.
In response to the inquiry “RG”, who will lead the Museum and what problems in the work are particularly acute, the Department of culture said on may 28, Director of “Divnogorie” is assigned to Elena Klepov. Prior to that, she worked as the Deputy Director of the historical-cultural center “the Palace complex of Oldenburg”. “Her professional experience will contribute to the further successful development of the Museum-reserve. The Deputy Director on scientific work – head of Department of Museum activities Kondratieff will continue in their positions,” – said in response. About the acute problems – not a word.
of Course, no one questioned the competence assigned by the Director. It’s about the fact that “Divnogorie” is losing a leader who knows the sanctuary every stone, clearly sees the problems and prospects of development of the Museum. And most importantly – when Sophia Kondratieva Museum was the most popular and profitable in the region. To throw these professionals, at least not prudently. This angered the employees of the Museum, whose opinion we ought to listen. After all, Sophia is not only confirmed to the post of Director, but not even explained why. In fact, it is the signal for dismissal.
So it was interpreted and Sofia Kondratieva. She said “RG” that he would not continue working in “Divnogorie”: is “silent” termination of the relationship showed it as a specialist Department is required. “I made my decision. It does not depend on the personality of the new Director. The simple act of officials have expressed their attitude to our team and his work – explained Sophia. – The reserve is a 1,100 hectares of land, 650 species of plants, monuments of architecture and archeology, cave complexes. All this requires knowledge, experience, deep insight into the topic. Let’s see who are successful Museum Director. Not known to business executives, who came from the outside. It’s the people who have come a long way in their museums… of Course, I will give all your work to Elena Obraztsova Klipovi”.
Sophia also expressed the hope that the number of visitors in the short term will not decrease started earlier projects will not be curtailed, and the new leadership of the Museum-reserve will continue to advocate for the preservation of the cave complex in the big Divas in the state.
“After the “Divnogorie” will be referred to the objects of the world cultural heritage, investment in it will increase. Maybe this new assignment is because you will need a different management of financial flows. But Finance is not everything, – said Kondratiev. – Level Museum is not just a good asphalt and well-groomed paths. The Museum is a tour service, and interesting projects… I love “Divnogorie”. And I’ll defend him still. Without leadership positions to exercise their right to freedom of expression will be even easier.”
a team of “Divnogorie” is still not losing hope and waiting for a response from the Minister of culture of Russia.
Michael Piotrovsky, the President of the Union of museums of Russia, Director of the State Hermitage Museum:
– first, “Divnogorie” is an absolutely stunning, perfectly working Museum-reserve, which connects the historical, cultural heritage and unique natural landscape. It was created and its work is carried out in difficult conditions. The contribution of Sofia Kondratieva in the creation and development of the entire structure of the Museum-reserve is very significant. And this contribution was valued – President awarded her the award of young scientists in the field of Museum work. The Council for culture under the President, discussing her candidacy was unanimous. She’s young scientist, knows the Museum business energetically working. In short, the prize, she was a great joy for Ukrainian museums in the world, the world of culture. When she was appointed acting Director of “Divnogorie”, the previous Director was very pleased. Said that gives Museum-reserve in good hands.
Then there was a conflict with the Church. The conflict is very difficult. The Union of Museums advised “Divnogorie” on legal issues. The fact that structures inside the caves never were given possession. In my opinion, a compromise can be reached. At least there are all the conditions. In the Church committed service. In the Museum-reserve visitors arrive. As Kondratyev acting Director of the Museum-reserve is a good candidate to find a mutually acceptable solution to the problem.
unfortunately, the decision was made to dismiss. Kondratyev just called to HR and was told that she ceases to perform the duties of the Director. So watchmen is not even fired. But we’re talking about the person whose contribution is recognized and President, and Museum community of Russia. In addition, “Divnogorie” is only part of the story. In the Voronezh region there is also an archaeological reserve of world importance – Kostenki. There are excavations. Not so long ago there was dismissed by the Director. The Prosecutor’s office decided that the excavations in the same place can be edited. It is a financial violation. But archaeologists removed one layer, then another layer, third layer. On that same place. Not necessarily this happens in one season. The archaeological community was outraged. All official letters, including the Union of museums of Russia, remained unanswered. Now the situation is similar. Instead of answering the letter of the Union of Museums of Russia to support regional museums in the Voronezh region, on the contrary, provokes a conflict situation where it was never supposed to be. Where there is every reason for the normal development of exemplary solutions to problems, we get the wrong solution to the exemplary problem, which, to put it mildly, a disappointment to the Museum community.
Prepared by Zhanna Vasilieva
