Italian Government Ignores Culture in Latest COVID Decree

The Italian government's latest COVID-19 decree, presented by Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, has completely omitted the cultural sector, signaling its disappearance from the political agenda. Museums, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls have remained closed since the November 3 decree, with no mention of reopening strategies. A brief glimmer occurred when Lombardy, Piedmont, and Calabria moved from red to orange zones, allowing private galleries to reopen—though they are bureaucratically classified as shops. The Ministry of Culture's only notable initiative has been a partnership with the Chili platform to create a "Netflix of culture," focusing on digital solutions. Minister Dario Franceschini appears unconvinced about reopening. Vittorio Sgarbi proposed a "bactericidal film" for museums to allow early reopening, but his proposal gained little traction, and the TAR (Regional Administrative Court) rejected his appeal against museum closures. Cultural spaces, lacking the digital energy of the first lockdown, seem resigned. Journalists at Conte's press conference chose to ask about his girlfriend rather than cultural policy.