Italy invests in AFAM reform: new administrative roles and disability support

The Italian Ministry of University and Research, led by Anna Maria Bernini, continues its push to reform the country's Higher Artistic and Musical Education (AFAM) system. On April 17, 2025, amendments to the Public Administration decree (dl 25/25) were approved by the joint I and XI Commissions of the Chamber of Deputies. Starting in 2026, state AFAM institutions (except the Bolzano Music Conservatory) will establish up to 35 second-level administrative manager positions, each with fixed-term contracts of up to five years, renewable once. These managers will be selected based on territorial aggregations defined by a ministerial decree within 12 months of the law's enactment. The move aims to align AFAM governance with that of universities, separating governing and management bodies. The financial coverage for these roles is set at €4,517,000 annually from 2026. Additionally, the amendments allocate €2 million from the MUR fund to support students with severe disabilities enrolled in academies, conservatories, and design institutes, providing a flat-rate "care allowance" for qualified assistance during lessons and related activities. Bernini stated, "Extending support to students with severe disabilities... is a choice of civilization." Meanwhile, the Ministry is working on a €50 million plan to attract young researchers from abroad and retain domestic talent, though the Valorization bill (1240) remains contested and frozen.