Andrea Concas on Italian museums' digital leap during pandemic

Andrea Concas, founder of Art Backers, Art Rights, and The AB Gallery, discusses the forced digitalization of Italian museums during the COVID-19 lockdown. He argues that the crisis accelerated a necessary shift, but highlights a pre-existing digital gap: only 50% of Italy's 5,000 museums had a website or social media presence. Concas distinguishes between private museums, which can adapt faster due to entrepreneurial leadership, and state museums, hampered by outdated bureaucracy and hiring rules. He praises initiatives by Museo Egizio (director Christian Greco), Triennale Milano, MAMbo (director Lorenzo Balbi), Fondazione Palazzo Strozzi (director Arturo Galansino), and GAMeC Bergamo. Concas warns against superficial use of trendy apps and stresses that online channels complement, not replace, physical experiences. He predicts a post-pandemic 'digital pause' and the rise of new professional figures like digital curators and cultural marketing experts.