Cristiana Perrella Speaks Out on Abrupt Dismissal from Centro Pecci

Cristiana Perrella, former director of the Centro Pecci in Prato, gives her account of the events leading to her abrupt dismissal on October 8, 2021. She describes the termination as illegitimate and damaging, stating she was not warned and that the foundation acted unilaterally. Perrella claims that despite a prior agreement to leave in April 2022, the board, led by President Lorenzo Bini Smaghi, sought her immediate resignation and publicly announced her removal, implying serious misconduct. She refutes allegations of poor management, citing her academic background in arts management and achievements such as reopening the museum's bar, recovering educational spaces, and securing funds through Italian Council and PAC grants. Perrella attributes tensions to a divergence in vision: she prioritized research, sustainability, and community engagement, while the board wanted more ambitious exhibitions and higher visitor numbers. She notes that visitor numbers reached 43,871 in 2019, comparable to similar institutions. Perrella reveals that the board commissioned a performance review and began a director search without her knowledge, learning of it from a colleague. She received widespread support, including two petitions with over 250 signatories from the art world and 200 on Change.org. Perrella plans legal action but expresses gratitude for the solidarity. She reflects on lessons learned and intends to move forward.