Carlo Fontana on Italy's Cura Italia Decree for the Performing Arts

Carlo Fontana, president of AGIS (General Italian Association of Entertainment) since 2013, comments on the Cura Italia decree's provisions for the performing arts. He praises the €130 million allocation—€50 million for capital investments (e.g., venue upgrades, new equipment) and €80 million for current expenditure—as a first real recognition of the sector's importance. The decree also introduces wage supplementation (cassa integrazione) for entertainment workers, a first, and allows ticket refunds or conversion into vouchers valid for 12 months, or even personal donations to support struggling entities. Fontana emphasizes the need for a promotional campaign to bring audiences back post-emergency. Implementation details await a ministerial decree within 30 days, with input from trade associations like ANICA and SIAE. Fontana, former superintendent of La Scala (1990–2005), senator, and executive administrator of Teatro Regio di Parma (2012–2014), expresses cautious optimism but notes the impossibility of assessing full losses until the crisis ends.