Torino's cultural sector struggles and innovates during pandemic closures

Since March 9, 2020, over 4,900 cultural venues in Italy have been closed intermittently due to COVID-19 restrictions, affecting 130 million annual visitors. In Turin, institutions like GAM (Galleria di Arte Moderna), MAO (Museo d'Arte Orientale), and Paratissima have adapted by strengthening educational outreach and digital engagement. GAM director Riccardo Passoni reported a 75% revenue loss in 2020, while MAO director Marco Guglielminotti Trivel emphasized the museum's multicultural mission in the Porta Palazzo district. Paratissima, an emerging artist incubator, secured a long-term space at the ex-artiglieria reale but halted activities due to the pandemic. Theatres like Teatro Baretti, led by Cristina Voghera, shifted to online streaming and outdoor silent cinema. The C.AR.PE. coordination network, comprising over 50 small cultural entities, was formed to advocate collectively. Cinema Romano, Italy's oldest art-house cinema, survived thanks to 2016 tax credits, while live music venues Hiroshima Mon Amour and Spazio211 adapted with outdoor performances. Spazio211 suffered a theft but received community support. The article highlights the tension between cultural and economic priorities, exemplified by Venice's prolonged museum closures despite government relaxations.