Stefano Monti argues culture is not an antidote but a development lever

In an opinion piece on Artribune, Stefano Monti critiques the widespread metaphor of culture as an 'antidote' to social ills, a phrase frequently used by Italian Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano. Monti argues that this framing is a 'lie' that misdirects cultural policy. He points to the government's intervention in Caivano, Naples, as emblematic, where Sangiuliano stated, 'Culture is the strongest antidote against territorial degradation and educational poverty.' Monti contends that culture does not cure or compensate but is an 'accretive path' that stimulates societal evolution. He distinguishes between the socializing and stabilizing dimension of culture and its educational and formative one, warning that confusing these levels leads to a lack of vision. True cultural accessibility, he argues, involves exposing citizens to high-quality artistic reflection, not merely providing social alternatives like sports fields or amateur theater. Monti calls for a shift from viewing culture as a remedy to recognizing it as a tool for development, requiring careful planning, multi-municipal programming, and sustainable offerings that challenge citizens without imposing highbrow tastes.