Gabriella Belli on Venice's Cultural Strategy and Ruskin Exhibition

Gabriella Belli, director of the Fondazione Musei Civici Venezia, outlined the 2018 programming for the twelve museums under her purview, emphasizing identity and international research. The year features two major exhibitions: one on John Ruskin and another on Tintoretto, the latter being the first in Venice since 1937. The Ruskin show explores his advocacy for architectural conservation, his artistic method (producing over 5,000 drawings for personal study), and the relevance of his legacy today. Belli praised architect Pier Luigi Pizzi for redesigning the Museo dell'Opera at Palazzo Ducale to evoke the Gothic atmosphere Ruskin admired. On Venice's overtourism, she noted recent measures like limited entry during Carnival and reduced ship tonnage, but stressed that cultural institutions must focus on quality exhibitions and education rather than policy. She argued that culture is a necessity, not just an economic utility, and called for sustained public funding. Belli defended public-private partnerships, citing the Art Bonus scheme and the vital role of private committees for Venice's preservation, which she described as true patrons. She lamented that Italy rarely acquires new art for its collections, causing them to age.