Italy's cultural sector needs a strategic plan, not just emergency aid, argues Massimiliano Zane

Massimiliano Zane, a cultural planner from Venice, argues that Italy's cultural sector requires a long-term industrial plan rather than temporary emergency measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. He criticizes the political response as fragmented and insufficient, noting that culture lacks a defined economic framework within national policy. Zane calls for the immediate creation of a 'Task Force for Culture' to support the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities (MiBACT) in developing a strategic plan. This task force should be composed of external experts, not just ministry officials, and should focus on a 'Cultural Industrial Plan' for short- and long-term recovery. He emphasizes the need to prepare for the allocation of Recovery Fund resources, which require innovative projects and stakeholder involvement. Zane urges Minister Dario Franceschini and the cultural sector to overcome internal divisions and adopt a unified vision, warning that without decisive action, the sector risks further decline. The article was published on Artribune in November 2020.