Accademia di Belle Arti di Lecce finally ratifies Andrea Rollo as director

On December 18, 2017, the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR) confirmed Professor Andrea Rollo as the new director of the Accademia di Belle Arti di Lecce after a three-month stalemate. This delay stemmed from two anonymous complaints to MIUR: one regarding a purported family connection between Rollo and former director Fernando De Filippi (which was found not to be a conflict), and another questioning Rollo's qualifications. The impasse hindered degree certifications, Erasmus programs, hiring, and residence permits. On December 15, 22 faculty members, including notable figures like Ester Annunziata and Giuseppe Bolognini, along with the Student Council, submitted a letter and a complaint to the Lecce Prosecutor's Office. Media attention, including from Artribune, aided in resolving the situation. A protest scheduled for December 20 will now celebrate the academy's unity and dedication to transparency and culture.