Yucatan’s MACAY museum crisis deepens as artists declare institution ‘extinct’

The Ateneo de Yucatán Museum of Contemporary Art (MACAY) finds itself at a crossroads, with government officials and local artists presenting contrasting visions for its future.

Anna Goycoolea Artís, director of the INAH Yucatán Center, maintains that MACAY will be integrated into the planned Yucatán History Museum project.

“We envision it as part of the various spaces that will comprise the Ateneo cultural center,” she stated, emphasizing that current closures are for renovation rather than dismantling.

However, the local arts community has taken a different stance. At a recent gathering at the former UADY Faculty of Anthropology, artists and cultural promoters formally declared MACAY “extinct” and began planning a new contemporary art institution. The meeting, led by artists Rosario Guillermo, Alejandra Díaz, Celia Pedrero, and Socorro Chablé, brought together established artists, recent graduates, and gallery directors.

Signs of trouble at the MACAY have been ongoing for since austerity programs began.

The crisis escalated following the December resignation of MACAY’s director Rafael Pérez y Pérez, who led the institution for five years. This development coincided with the museum’s evacuation and staff layoffs, according to attendees at the artists’ meeting.

Sculptor Rosario Guillermo revealed that problems began in March of last year with the renovation of the Ateneo Peninsular building. She discovered her exhibition pieces among debris, with no official explanation provided. The museum’s space was to be reduced from 17 galleries to just three, while operating on an 80% smaller budget.

While Goycoolea Artís notes that the museum previously operated in space borrowed from the state government, artists argue that the situation represents a larger crisis for contemporary art in Yucatán. Cuban artist Susan Martínez emphasized the crucial role of a contemporary art museum as a legitimizing institution, while painter Ernesto Novelo highlighted its importance to tourism and the local economy.

INAH has been conducting renovations at the Ateneo Peninsular after regaining control through the Tren Maya project. This has enabled infrastructure restoration and the installation of laboratories for archaeological artifacts. Meanwhile, MACAY’s collection has been temporarily stored at UNAY facilities.

Looking forward, the artists’ group has proposed several interim solutions, including creating a virtual museum platform and establishing various digital initiatives to maintain contemporary art’s presence in the region. Felipe Ahumada Vasconcelos suggested approaching private foundations like Carlos Slim or Jumex rather than relying on government support.

The situation particularly affects emerging artists like Jade Canul and Santiago Manzanero, who expressed concern about the lack of exhibition spaces in Mérida for practicing their craft.

The MACAY Cultural Foundation has issued a statement claiming it remains active in promoting and preserving Yucatan’s culture, though specific plans remain unclear. Federal and state cultural departments have yet to comment on the modern art museum’s future plans or respond to the community’s initiatives.

With information from Diario de Yucatán

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