Alessandra Pioselli on AFAM Reform and Art Education in Italy

In a conversation with Artribune, Alessandra Pioselli, who leads the Accademia di Belle Arti G. Carrara in Bergamo, addresses the challenges facing Italy's Alta Formazione Artistica e Musicale (AFAM) system. She believes that the 1999 reform (law 508/99) is inadequate, leaving AFAM institutions in a precarious situation. Major concerns include the absence of full university status, unstable contracts (with 50% of faculty on co.co.co), outdated hiring practices, and a lack of research funding. Pioselli commends the Accademia's independence, which facilitates merit-based hiring. During the 2020 lockdown, instructors utilized online resources, and the exhibition "Clorofilla" was conducted virtually. She highlights the Premio AccadeMibac, which grants €10,000 to ten emerging artists, including Lorenzo Lunghi, and advocates for reforms to meet European standards.