Luca Bizzarri appointed president of Palazzo Ducale in Genoa

Luca Bizzarri, an Italian actor and TV personality, has been appointed president of Palazzo Ducale, Genoa's leading cultural institution. The nomination, formalized after an assembly of members, was announced by Bizzarri himself on Facebook. He will serve without salary. The decision was made by Mayor Marco Bucci, culture councillor Elisa Serafini, and regional culture councillor Ilaria Cavo, aiming to find a nationally known Genoese figure to attract sponsorships. Bizzarri succeeds Luca Borzani, whom he thanked. The appointment has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the choice of a non-professional cultural manager. Bizzarri faces the challenge of restoring the institution's reputation after the Modigliani exhibition scandal, where 21 works were seized by the Genoa prosecutor's office, and curator Rudy Chiappini was investigated. The exhibition was closed early in July. Bizzarri stated, "I will use imagination, experience, and passion for all forms of entertainment and culture." Regional President Giovanni Toti praised the choice for innovation and independence from political parties.