Birgit Donker, director of the Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam, was definitively dismissed from her position on Saturday. The museum reports that this decision followed an internal investigation into her performance. She was suspended in June.
“An irreparable breach of trust has arisen,” the supervisory board (RvT) concludes in a statement. “The investigation shows that the director-manager has repeatedly withheld information or presented it incorrectly.” According to the RvT, this concerns information about the well-being of employees and the culture of the organization that is necessary to supervise. “It is crucial that an RvT should never be deprived of the possibility of proper supervision.”
In June, the RvT had already suspended Donker after “worrisome reports.”
De Volkskrant reported at the time that there were “negative reports from staff members about the leadership of the director” and a “toxic work environment” and “culture of fear” at the museum. Donker told the newspaper that she did not recognize the complaints about an unpleasant working atmosphere.
The board acknowledges that Donker has achieved a lot for the museum. “But these achievements should never come at the expense of social safety and mental health of the employees, who all make an essential contribution to the success of the museum in their own field.” The museum is now looking for a new director.
Donker writes in a statement on Instagram that she has taken note of her dismissal with “great disappointment” “based on a self-conducted investigation.” The former director says she does not recognize herself in the conclusion of the investigation. “I have not felt heard and believed in the investigation by the supervisory board. I am considering further steps,” said Donker.