Milan Mayoral Candidate Wants to Abolish Art Week as 'Useless and Wasteful'

Luca Bernardo, the center-right candidate for mayor of Milan, has proposed abolishing the city's thematic weeks, including Milan Art Week, calling them 'useless and wasteful' in his electoral program. He argues that only Fashion Week and Design Week work because they are backed by strong institutions like the Camera della Moda and Salone del Mobile. Bernardo, a doctor by profession, suggests reviving the ancient Ambrosian lottery instead. His statements have drawn sharp criticism from Filippo Del Corno, Milan's culture councilor, who pointed out that Milan Art Week is funded by private sponsor Banca Generali since 2019, not the city, and that it boosts the local economy, especially after the pandemic. Del Corno also noted that the event, in partnership with miart fair, attracts galleries, visitors, and collectors globally. Bernardo's cultural program also includes moving San Vittore prison to create cultural spaces, a film festival at Parco Sempione, a museum of Milan's history, a restaurant boat on the Navigli, and a summer event styled after Romagna's 'Notte Rosa'.