MuFoCo President Giovanna Calvenzi Responds to Open Letter on Museum's Future

Giovanna Calvenzi, president of the Museo di Fotografia Contemporanea (MuFoCo) in Cinisello Balsamo, has responded to an open letter signed by over 370 photographers, curators, and journalists concerned about the museum's closure and uncertain future. The museum was closed months ago for incorporation into the Museo Nazionale di Fotografia at Triennale Milano, but no official communication followed. Calvenzi, whose term is ending after five years beyond the limit, expressed regret that the transformation project was not completed during her tenure. She clarified that the partial transfer project is not interrupted but is being defined by Triennale Milano and the Ministry of Culture, together with founding entities including the Municipality of Cinisello Balsamo, Metropolitan City of Milan, and Lombardy Region. Calvenzi assumed the presidency in 2016 during the partnership development with Triennale. She highlighted the museum's achievements during the pandemic, including research, publications, support for young artists, and dialogue with other Milan museums. She emphasized the museum's role as a cultural hub in the suburbs and its twenty-year legacy at Villa Ghirlanda, with archival expansions and public funding wins. Calvenzi wished the incoming board success in reopening the museum.