Pecci Centre workers speak out against layoffs and financial crisis

Workers at the Centro Pecci in Prato have released a public letter responding to the dismissal of two employees on 29 August for 'budget problems'. They express regret that outsiders without full knowledge have commented, damaging the museum's reputation. The workers state that no recovery plan can justify the layoffs and criticize the lack of clear direction under current leadership, after the board unexpectedly removed director Cristiana Perrella two years ago and replaced her with Stefano Collicelli Cagol. They note that decisions have led to a financial crisis of unprecedented scale since the museum's expansion in 2016. The workers have asked the Fondazione per le arti contemporanee in Toscana (FACT) members to take a stand and secured a meeting with the Comune and Regione, but remain worried about unfavorable agreements and legal costs. They appeal directly to public members to safeguard the institution's heritage. The article highlights broader financial struggles among Italian museums.