Vittorio Sgarbi appointed assessor in Sicily, eyes ministry after elections

Vittorio Sgarbi has been appointed assessor for Cultural Heritage in Sicily under Governor Nello Musumeci, following the center-right's regional election victory. Sgarbi, who withdrew his own candidacy for president to support Musumeci, holds the post temporarily, as he aims to become Minister of Culture if the center-right wins national elections in spring 2018. He has outlined ambitious plans: demolishing non-functional wind turbines (with Nobel laureate Carlo Rubbia as commissioner), reconstructing Temple G at Selinunte using private funds, and creating a 'Commissioner of Beauty' for Mediterranean arts, possibly involving figures like Antonio Paolucci, Mario Botta, or Renzo Piano. Sgarbi also proposes a regional authority for cultural heritage and a directorate for contemporary art, though his controversial reputation and skepticism toward the art world raise questions. The article, by Helga Marsala on Artribune, notes that Sgarbi's tenure may be short if he becomes minister, and his effectiveness remains to be seen.