Renato Barilli calls for full integration of Italian art academies and universities

Renato Barilli, professor emeritus at the University of Bologna, argues in an opinion piece on Artribune that Italian art academies and universities remain unjustifiably separate despite formal similarities. He notes that both institutions now offer degree courses and departments, but key differences persist: professors cannot transfer between them with equal rank, and academy teachers are paid about one-third less than university faculty, a disparity he calls unconstitutional. Barilli blames mutual distrust—academics fear being dominated by larger university departments, while universities worry about the practical focus of academy teachers. He contrasts this with Anglo-Saxon countries where Fine Arts departments integrate theory and practice. Barilli also identifies music conservatories as a legislative obstacle, as they require early specialization. He appeals to Cristina Francucci (director of Bologna Academy) and Edoardo Di Mauro (director of Turin Academy) to push for reform, offering his theoretical support.