Pesaro proposes vaccinating artists first and using theaters for COVID testing

Daniele Vimini, assessor to culture in Pesaro, has proposed prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations for artists and using theaters as free testing sites. In an open letter, Vimini suggests that artists—actors, singers, musicians, performers—should receive vaccine priority akin to teachers and healthcare workers, enabling them to return to live performance. He also advocates offering rapid tests to audiences attending shows. The proposal comes as Italian theaters anticipate reopening on March 27, per Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, though the date remains uncertain due to worsening health conditions. Vimini frames this as a 'modello cultura' (culture model) for pandemic response, aiming to restore public trust in live entertainment. The plan will be formally submitted to Franceschini. Pesaro has continued digital programming during closures and plans outdoor summer arenas from May to October.