Francesca Leon appointed culture councillor in Turin

Francesca Leon, a non-political professional with extensive experience in cultural management, has been appointed as the new Assessore alla Cultura (Culture Councillor) of Turin. She will serve in the new 5 Star Movement administration led by Mayor Chiara Appendino. Leon, born in Rome on June 2, 1966, to economist Paolo Leon, has lived in Turin for many years. She is currently Director of the Association Torino Città Capitale Europea, which manages the Abbonamento Musei Torino Piemonte museum pass—a successful tool for audience development that also has partnerships, such as with Triennale di Milano. Her appointment follows rumors that included Simona Lodi (founder of Share Festival) and Sergio Ricciardone (director of ClubToClub), and a denial involving former Egyptian Museum director Eleni Vassilika. Leon's selection is seen as a diplomatic, non-disruptive choice for Turin's cultural system. She has worked for RAI, AICER, Civita, Elemond, Arethusa, Electa, and served as vice president of Fondazione Artea.