Post-pandemic cultural revival requires new economic models, argues art historian
Art historian Pietro Petraroia argues that Italy's post-COVID-19 economic recovery must prioritize culture, citing the Italian Constitution's Articles 4 and 9. He contends that cultural and creative industries generate nearly half the GDP of northern Italy's manufacturing sector, yet lack political support compared to manufacturing. Petraroia criticizes Law 205/2017 for reducing support to a 30% tax credit on production costs, insufficient for startups. He calls for new cooperative models, better credit access, digital skills, and open metadata to optimize public services. The article appears on Artribune as part of a series on culture after the pandemic.
Key facts
- Pietro Petraroia is the author, an art historian and former Superintendent for Lombardy.
- He directed the restoration of Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper from 1991 to 1999.
- The article cites Italian Constitution Articles 4 (right to work) and 9 (cultural heritage).
- Law 205/2017 provides a 30% tax credit for cultural and creative enterprises.
- Cultural and creative industries generate nearly half the GDP of northern Italy's manufacturing.
- COVID-19 has severely impacted theater, cinema, group visits, and blockbuster exhibitions.
- Petraroia proposes cooperative models and better credit lines for cultural SMEs.
- The article is part of Artribune's series 'La Cultura nel Dopoepidemia' (Culture after the Pandemic).
Entities
Artists
- Pietro Petraroia
- Adriano Olivetti
Institutions
- Artribune
- Fiat
- Pirelli
- Rinascente
- Pinacoteca di Brera
Locations
- Italy
- Lombardy
- Northern Italy