The contemporary art system in Italy is the mirror of the country, for better or worse. Its problems are not only economic in character, but also and above all ethical and social. It would suffice to entrust the fate of cultural initiatives to persons of real, proven experience, sincerely motivated to achieve good results. Individuals make projects, even the hardest ones; their value cannot perhaps overcome problems, but at least contribute to deal with them. In this orientation, questions like budget, fundraising, management of expenses, administrative instability could find a solution or, at least, a direction along which to look for one. Rome is Italy and the two have the same problems, though they are a bit more evident and amplified by the logistical and cultural specificities of the territory. Until Rome and Italy do not alter their approach to art and culture in general, any type of intellectual and operative initiative (debates, dialogues, workshops…) runs the risk of being wasted effort. Apart from euphoric appearances, this is the present situation. Of course there are exceptions, isolated examples of quality and even of excellence that, as always, confirm the rule. But that is not enough.
PIER PAOLO PANCOTTO
Journalist, art critic and curator. Collaborates with the cultural section of the daily newspaper Il Messaggero.