Italian Senate Approves DDL Spettacolo Extending Art Bonus to All Performing Arts
On October 19, 2023, the DDL Spettacolo reform received approval from the Italian Senate, tallying 121 votes in favor, 12 against, and 73 abstentions. This legislation broadens the Art Bonus tax incentive to encompass all sectors of performing arts and designates funding for cultural initiatives in Central Italy, particularly in regions impacted by the 2016 earthquake. It boosts the Fondo Unico per lo Spettacolo by €9.5 million for the years 2018 and 2019, escalating to €22 million starting in 2020, along with an extra €4 million for the earthquake-affected areas. The law also secures a €4.5 million annual tax credit for music and enhances government backing for diverse artistic forms. Minister Dario Franceschini commended the reform, despite some controversy regarding the gradual elimination of a ban on the use of animals in performances.
Key facts
- DDL Spettacolo approved by Italian Senate with 121 yes, 12 no, 73 abstentions.
- Art Bonus extended to all performing arts sectors.
- Fondo Unico per lo Spettacolo increased by €9.5 million for 2018 and 2019, then €22 million from 2020.
- €4 million allocated for cultural activities in earthquake-affected Central Italy.
- Tax credit for music stabilized at €4.5 million annually from 2018.
- State support now includes contemporary popular music, carnivals, historical reenactments, amateur arts, singer-songwriters, puppet theater, and street artists.
- New Consiglio superiore dello spettacolo created to advise Mibact.
- Animal use ban in performances replaced with gradual phase-out.
- Two M5S amendments on lyric-symphonic foundations rejected; third passed unanimously.
Entities
Artists
- Mariacristina Ferraioli
Institutions
- Senato della Repubblica
- Mibact
- Partito Democratico
- Movimento 5 Stelle
- Commissione Cultura del Senato
- Artribune
Locations
- Italy
- Central Italy