Italian Art and Craft Schools Appeal for Special Reopening Measures

A coalition of approximately twenty Italian Scuole di Arte e Mestiere (Art and Craft Schools), led by ALMA – La Scuola Internazionale di Cucina Italiana at the Reggia di Colorno (Parma), has issued a collective appeal to the Council of Ministers and relevant ministries. Supported by Fondazione Cologni, which promotes the MAM – Maestro di Arte & Mestiere award, the schools urge the government to distinguish between general education institutions and those whose curricula rely heavily on hands-on laboratory work, such as haute cuisine, goldsmithing, tailoring, and mosaic. While museums prepare to reopen on May 18 under the Technical-Scientific Committee's protocol, schools are expected to remain closed until September. The appeal argues that distance learning is unsuitable for these craft schools, where proximity between master and apprentice is essential. The letter emphasizes awareness of public health priorities and readiness to follow hygiene regulations, but warns that a blanket reopening of all schools in September would cause severe damage to private enterprises and harm the 'made in Italy' brand. The Senate is expected to analyze amendments to the school decree-law in the coming days, making the appeal timely. The initiative was reported by Claudia Giraud on Artribune.