Torino's Cultural Strategy: Interview with Councillor Francesca Leon

In an interview with Artribune, Torino's culture councillor Francesca Leon outlines the city's cultural vision under the new M5S administration. Leon emphasizes education and accessibility as core priorities, including a 'family and baby-friendly museum' project funded by Compagnia di San Paolo. She discusses plans to create a contemporary art hub at the OGR, improve museum educational services, and foster dialogue between schools and museums. Leon addresses the controversial relocation of the Salone del Libro to Milan, attributing it to a long-standing crisis and criticizing the Italian Publishers Association for acting unilaterally. She confirms the closure of the Fondazione per la Cultura will be gradual, replaced by a new sponsorship model. Regarding Fondazione Torino Musei, she notes the strained relationship with president Patrizia Asproni (who later resigned) and rejects the proposed 'Superfondazione' merging Castello di Rivoli and GAM. Leon supports Artissima as a development tool but stresses the need to also support collateral fairs like The Others and Paratissima. She advocates for polycentrism, moving events beyond Piazza Castello to neighborhoods like Barriera di Milano. The interview covers long-term projects such as a restoration center at the Museo dell'Automobile and a potential library at Torino Esposizioni, aiming to build foundations for future administrations.