MAXXI hosts online conference on tax relief for cultural expenses in Italy

The MAXXI Foundation in Rome organized an online conference titled 'La defiscalizzazione delle spese della cultura: scenario e proposte operative' (Tax relief for cultural expenses: scenario and operational proposals), streamed on social media channels of the museum and Parma 20+21. The event, part of the 'Città Come Cultura' project promoted by the MiBACT's Direzione Generale Creatività Contemporanea, gathered experts to discuss making cultural expenses tax-deductible. Giovanna Melandri, President of the MAXXI Foundation, proposed a structural measure to deduct cultural spending from personal income tax, contrasting cultural poverty. Francesca Velani suggested expanding the existing Art Bonus law, which provides tax credits for donations to culture. Carolina Botti from Ales Spa and MiBACT highlighted the Art Bonus's potential for partnerships and welfare culture. The conference was moderated by Marco Damilano, director of L'Espresso, and included Michele Guerra, Parma's culture councillor. The proposal aims to create a permanent, structural tax relief system, inspired by Roosevelt's 1935 Federal Art Project.