Muriel Mayette-Holtz not renewed as director of Villa Medici, a first in the Academy's history
Muriel Mayette-Holtz, who made history as the first female director of the French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici, will see her term end without renewal, an unprecedented occurrence in the institution's 352-year existence. Her mandate was due to conclude on September 16, 2018, coinciding with a review of French cultural residencies initiated by President Emmanuel Macron. In July 2018, Macron assigned Thierry Tuot to evaluate these residencies. Mayette-Holtz, who declined a two-month interim position, expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of justification for her removal, despite receiving favorable assessments. Her controversial appointment in 2015 was associated with former Prime Minister Manuel Valls. She encourages her successor to “love Rome, love artists, look far” after introducing various initiatives during her leadership.
Key facts
- Muriel Mayette-Holtz is the first woman to direct the French Academy in Rome – Villa Medici.
- Her mandate was not renewed, a first in the Academy's 352-year history.
- Her term expires on September 16, 2018.
- President Emmanuel Macron ordered a review of French cultural residencies abroad in July 2018.
- Thierry Tuot was commissioned to assess the residencies, including Villa Medici.
- The French government invests over €7 million annually in about 500 residencies.
- Mayette-Holtz was offered a two-month interim but refused.
- She learned of the non-renewal by phone from Culture Minister Françoise Nyssen.
- Her 2015 appointment was controversial due to alleged political connections.
- She launched the Giovedì della Villa, exhibitions, conferences, and the Festival des Lumières.
Entities
Artists
- Muriel Mayette-Holtz
- Gérard Holtz
- Manuel Valls
- Emmanuel Macron
- Thierry Tuot
- Françoise Nyssen
- Cristiano Leone
Institutions
- Accademia di Francia a Roma
- Villa Medici
- Comédie-Française
- Le Monde
- Artribune
- Ateliers Médicis
- Senato
- Corte dei Conti
- Ministero della Cultura
Locations
- Rome
- Italy
- France
- Paris
- Clichy-Montfermeil
- Pincio