KSEVT co-founder says he is sad but also glad that his description of how the ministry of culture operates, from opportune politics, bureaucratisation, manipulations, to a lack of dialogue, has proven to be true through the conversations Turšič has had with people who have shared similar stories with him.

There are three sets of demands: resignation of Biserka Močnik, head of the creativity directorate at the culture ministry, who Turšič believes ruined KSEVT, the Cultural Centre of European Space Technologies, and her removal from all work positions that require an understanding of art; change of KSEVT’s legal status from a municipal to a public instruction; and increasing the funding of culture from the state budget by two per cent.

“We’ve tried to survive on our own, and we did, until 29 September 2015, when it ended,” explained the co-founder of KSEVT, which researches and develops programmes related to the culturalisation of the universe as well as commemorates Herman Potočnik Noordung, the pioneer of space technologies.

About 200 people came to visit and show support to Turšič. Many were young people, but also some renowned cultural workers, particularly writers. President of the parliamentary culture committee Dragan Matić was also present, informing Turšič that an urgent session has been called for 14 October to find possible short- and long-term solutions for KSEVT to continue its activities.

The ministry of culture has also appealed to Turšič to suspend his hunger strike. In their letter, the ministry begged him to stop the strike, as there “is no real reason” for it.

A. J., M. K.; translated by K. Z.