Pecci Center president defends director change, cites sustainability

Irene Sanesi, president of the Centro per l'Arte Contemporanea Luigi Pecci in Prato, defends the board's decision not to renew director Fabio Cavallucci's mandate. She states that only nine candidates applied for the director position—five Italian and four foreign—and a commission will now create a shortlist. Sanesi rejects Cavallucci's claims that the board blocked a proposed Andy Warhol exhibition, saying financial coverage was lacking and that sustainability is paramount. She notes the museum closed its 2016 budget with a surplus due to strict financial control. Sanesi dismisses suggestions that the change is politically motivated, citing transparency and anti-corruption norms requiring rotation. She acknowledges the museum faces a labor lawsuit inherited from previous management, for which a risk fund exists. Sanesi emphasizes the need to increase the current budget of €2.5 million to €4 million annually, and is exploring foreign investment funds. The Pecci will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.