Italy's Culture Minister Questions Foreign Museum Directors

Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano has expressed reservations about the fact that all nine of Italy's most important state museums are currently directed by foreigners. While stating he has no prejudice against foreign directors, he emphasized that the situation should not become "reverse provincialism." Sangiuliano acknowledged that some foreign directors may stay but believes Italy has university excellence capable of producing cultural managers. The Ministry is drafting a new call for museum directors, expected by late February or early March 2023. According to rumors, the call will not prohibit foreign candidates but may include a clause preventing outgoing directors from applying to the museum they just left. Separately, Sangiuliano appointed lyricist Mogol as "advisor for popular culture," a non-paid honorary position. The Ministry is also working on a project involving Messina, MAXXI Rome, and Centre Pompidou Paris.