Forte di Bard appoints school principal as director, sparking controversy

On November 16, 2021, Francesco Fazari was appointed as the director of the Forte di Bard museum in Valle d'Aosta following a public selection process. Fazari, who is a high school principal without prior museum experience, has faced backlash from four other candidates—Silvia Albertini, Daniela Berta, Nurye Donatoni, and Francesca Pollicini—who contend that this decision contravenes ICOM's 2006 National Charter. The initial application, announced on January 25, 2021, specified a master's degree in management or cultural heritage management, but a subsequent call on May 14, 2021, loosened these criteria to include degrees from various fields and general managerial experience. Critics argue that this undermines the Forte di Bard's statute, which requires both a master's degree and experience in museum management. ICOM Italy has raised concerns about the emphasis on administrative qualifications over specialized knowledge.