Pompeii superintendent proposes employing refugees in cultural sector

Massimo Osanna, superintendent of Pompeii, proposed employing refugees in Italy's cultural sector during a friendship pact signing between Pompeii and Nola at the San Paolino chapel within the Pompeii site. He argued that refugees already receive daily government allowances without working, and these funds could be converted into wages for cultural work. Osanna suggested roles such as gardeners or cleaners, noting that many refugees are architects, engineers, or archaeologists fleeing political regimes. Addressing concerns about competition with Italian youth, he emphasized the proposal would be a zero-cost service for culture. On June 13, 2016, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage Antimo Cesaro responded positively, suggesting starting with minor sites like Liternum and the tomb of Scipio rather than Pompeii. Cesaro highlighted three dimensions: labor, social, and cultural integration, framing the proposal as transforming an emergency into an opportunity. The article, by Massimo Mattioli, appeared on Artribune.