MAN Nuoro delays director selection amid conflict of interest allegations

The Museo MAN di Nuoro has postponed the final interview for its new artistic director, originally scheduled for December 15, after three candidates alleged a conflict of interest involving commission members Lorenzo Giusti and Gabriella Belli. The candidates—Davide Mariani, Efisio Carbone, and Concettina Ghisu—claimed that fellow candidate Chiara Gatti had previously collaborated with Giusti on exhibitions during his tenure as MAN director (2012–2017) and had participated in conferences and interviews with Belli. The commission, which also included MAN official Giuseppe Zucca, reviewed the allegations but found no conflict. Nonetheless, Giusti and Belli resigned, citing a lack of freedom in decision-making. MAN president Tonino Rocca stated that the institution's lawyers, Claudio Solinas and Milena Patteri, confirmed no conflict existed. The board will now appoint two new experts to complete the selection process. Current director Luigi Fassi, whose term ends December 31 after a seven-month extension, may need another extension.