Italian live performance funding crisis: Teatro della Toscana downgraded, three commissioners resign
The Italian Ministry of Culture (MiC) revealed the outcomes of its triennial funding initiative for live performances through the Fondo Nazionale per lo Spettacolo dal Vivo (FNSV), which has taken the place of the previous FUS. The new decree, issued on 23 December 2024, emphasizes managerial effectiveness and ticket sales, sparking debate, particularly affecting Teatro della Toscana, led by Stefano Massini. In protest, three members of the Theatre Commission resigned on 19 June 2025. Notable exclusions in the dance sector included Abbondanza/Bertoni and Spazio Danza, alongside historic events such as Teatri di Vetro and Teatro Akropolis. Of the 39 first-time applicants, only 7 secured funding, with Benevento Città Spettacolo achieving the top position. Undersecretary Gianmarco Mazzi announced a reform in the funding model, appointing lawyer Giorgio Assumma to lead a commission.
Key facts
- FNSV replaces FUS for Italian live performance funding
- New DM 23 December 2024 prioritizes managerial efficiency and box-office over artistic risk
- Teatro della Toscana (directed by Stefano Massini) downgraded from National Theatre
- Three Theatre Commission members resigned on 19 June 2025: Alberto Cassani, Carmelo Grassi, Angelo Pastore
- Massini held press conference in Piazza della Signoria, Florence on 20 June
- Dance: Abbondanza/Bertoni and Spazio Danza lost Centre of Production status; DA.RE., Conformazioni, Tendancea Latina excluded
- Multidisciplinary: Teatri di Vetro, Teatro Akropolis, Margine Operativo, Wonderland excluded; Santarcangelo scored 14, Armunia 10.10
- Only 7 of 39 first-time applicants funded; Benevento Città Spettacolo (with Stefano De Martino) ranked first
- Theatre: ERT, Teatro di Genova penalized; Teatro Metastasio di Prato low score
- Undersecretary Gianmarco Mazzi announced reform, appointed Giorgio Assumma to lead commission
Entities
Artists
- Stefano Massini
- Alberto Cassani
- Carmelo Grassi
- Angelo Pastore
- Roberta Nicolai
- Tomasz Kireńczuk
- Massimiliano Civica
- Adriana Borriello
- Stefano De Martino
- Gianmarco Mazzi
- Giorgio Assumma
- Laura Bevione
Institutions
- Ministero della Cultura (MiC)
- Direzione Generale dello Spettacolo
- Fondo Nazionale per lo Spettacolo dal Vivo (FNSV)
- Fondo Unico per lo Spettacolo (FUS)
- Teatro della Toscana
- ERT – Emilia-Romagna Teatro
- Teatro di Genova
- Teatro Metastasio di Prato
- Teatri di Vetro
- Teatro Akropolis
- Margine Operativo
- Idra Teatro
- Santarcangelo Festival
- Armunia
- Inequilibrio Festival
- Benevento Città Spettacolo
- Abbondanza/Bertoni
- Spazio Danza
- DA.RE.
- Conformazioni
- Tendancea Latina
- Centro Teatrale Bresciano
- Stabile di Torino
- Stabile di Genova
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Florence
- Piazza della Signoria
- Rome
- Genoa
- Prato
- Palermo
- Latina
- Santarcangelo di Romagna
- Benevento
- Lombardy
- Cagliari