Veneto official mocks Biennale curator's sexual orientation

Elena Donazzan, Veneto's education and equal opportunities councillor, posted homophobic remarks on social media about Milovan Farronato, the newly appointed curator of the Italian Pavilion at the 2019 Venice Biennale. Donazzan criticized Farronato's Instagram photos showing makeup, feminine outfits, and eccentric style, writing "Lei, pardon lui" and questioning his authority to represent Italy. The post sparked outrage in the art world. Farronato, a respected curator with experience at Fondazione Bevilacqua La Masa, Galleria Civica di Modena, and Fiorucci Art Trust, was selected by a ministerial commission and ratified by Culture Minister Alberto Bonisoli. Angela Vettese praised the appointment as non-political and professional, while Vittorio Sgarbi noted the irony of a minister from a government including Lorenzo Fontana approving such a choice. Donazzan had previously targeted rapper Young Signorino for his song "Dolce droga." The incident highlights ongoing culture wars in Italy, contrasting with international acceptance of figures like Grayson Perry.