Italics: New Consortium of Italian Galleries Launches to Promote Art and Territory

A new consortium called Italics has been launched by nine leading Italian galleries—Alfonso Artiaco (Naples), Galleria Continua (San Gimignano), Massimo De Carlo (Milan), Gagosian (Rome), Kaufmann Repetto (Milan), Massimo Minini (Brescia), Franco Noero (Turin), Carlo Orsi (Milan), and Galleria dello Scudo (Verona)—to promote art and culture in Italy from the gallerists' perspective. Conceived by Lorenzo Fiaschi of Galleria Continua and Pepi Marchetti Franchi of Gagosian, the project was delayed by the pandemic but has now materialized as a non-commercial platform. Unlike typical viewing rooms, Italics will not display prices; instead, it aims to valorize Italian territories and excellence by partnering with cultural institutions, museums, foundations, fashion, design, restaurants, and hospitality. The platform, designed by LeftLoft, will feature itineraries curated by gallerists, suggesting places to visit, eat, and explore. A total of 60 galleries have joined, far exceeding the expected 30. The consortium operates under a three-year business plan and a formal statute. Carlotta Poli (ex-Mousse) serves as project manager. The initiative also hopes to foster live events and dialogues between ancient, modern, and contemporary art. Fiaschi emphasized the importance of gallerists as cultural advisors and criticized the political undervaluation of culture.