Italy's 2017 Live Performance Law Recognizes Historical Reenactments as Art

Filippo Giovannelli, President of the Stati Generali della Rievocazione Storica, argues that historical reenactments should be recognized as a legitimate performing art and receive dedicated funding under Italy's Fondo Unico per lo Spettacolo (FUS). The 2017 law (n. 175, November 22) on live performances already includes historical reenactments and carnivals, extending the Art Bonus tax credit (65%) to all sectors. Giovannelli calls for a new framework law to regulate and fund these events, which he sees as a major cultural, economic, and tourist resource, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. He recounts efforts during the Stati Generali della Rievocazione Storica (Florence, April 9-10, 2016) and the Stati Generali dello Spettacolo dal Vivo (Florence, March 6, 2017) to secure this inclusion.