11 Italian art professionals assess inclusivity in Italy's art system

Artribune Magazine #73 publishes an inquiry into inclusivity in Italian culture, focusing on gender gap and LGBTQIA+ rights. Eleven protagonists of the Italian art system respond: Loredana Longo, Fabio Cavallucci, Giovanni Gaggia, Francesco Pantaleone, Beatrice Merz, Patrizia Asproni, Lorenzo Balbi, Paola Manfredi, Francesco Impellizzeri, Rossella Farinotti, and Stefano Raimondi. They discuss progress and obstacles. Cavallucci notes that while the US and northern Europe show an excess of LGBTQIA+ artists, Italy remains in the dark, with feminist themes barely touched since Lea Vergine's 1980 show 'L'altra metà dell'avanguardia'. He fears the current government's opposition to gender freedoms will worsen the situation. Gaggia cites Daniel Quasar's 2018 Progress Pride flag as a symbol of inclusion. Pantaleone finds the system fairly inclusive, which motivated him to open his gallery 20 years ago. Asproni warns of political regression. Balbi highlights MAMbo's partnership with Gender Bender festival since 2011 and the 2022 show on Porpora Marcasciano. Manfredi notes the 2022 Venice Biennale 'Il latte dei sogni' as a turning point with majority women artists. Impellizzeri recalls his 1993 character Lady Muk and contrasts Spanish reception. Farinotti calls for subtle political work. Raimondi stresses intersectionality and the need for museums to become agents of change.