Italian Cultural Policy Wishlist for 2019

As 2019 begins, Italian cultural policy faces a critical juncture. The Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities is expected to increase its operational capacity following recent reforms, alongside a hoped-for significant rise in allocated resources. Key proposals include a comprehensive tax reform for the cultural sector, a long-term industrial policy for Cultural and Creative Industries, and greater innovation within museum institutes regarding autonomy and service levels. Specific initiatives advocated include extending tax incentives from cinema to live performances, improving the ArtBonus mechanism, establishing a task force for Tax Free Shopping, and launching culture-led urban regeneration projects. The application of smart-city paradigms and better data collection on cultural consumption are also highlighted. Desired regulatory changes cover archaeological discovery rewards and territorial valorization. The article warns against funding unsustainable projects, proliferating training courses, and propping up ineffective state entities—patterns seen over the past two decades. The author, Stefano Monti of Monti&Taft, expresses hope that at least one of these proposals will be realized in 2019.