Florence's Galleria dell’Accademia, one of Italy's most renowned museums, is facing controversy as its German director, Cecilie Hollberg, risks losing her position due to Italy's push for more Italians in top cultural roles. Hollberg's tenure has been marked by significant accomplishments, including protecting the iconic image of Michelangelo's David sculpture from misuse and increasing visitor numbers to the museum.
In fact, the museum has welcomed over a million visitors so far this year and looks set to exceed its 2019 record of 1.7mn visitors. However, rumors suggest that the far-right-led government intends to dismiss her before her contract expires in 2024, jeopardizing the gallery's independent status.
Hollberg's previous experience with a similar situation adds to the concerns surrounding her position. In 2019, shortly after assuming her role, she was unexpectedly fired by another conservative government.
The Accademia Gallery was then placed under the management of the Uffizi Gallery, another popular attraction in Florence. However, Hollberg was reinstated as director the following year when the right-wing government was replaced, and the Accademia regained its autonomy.
Expressing her confusion over the gallery's renewed risk of losing independence, Hollberg laments the lack of opportunity to discuss the matter with anyone within Italy's culture ministry. Despite having a contract that runs until 2024, Hollberg could face an early departure if a government ruling places the Accademia under the management of the Bargello Museum in Florence.
Italy's culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has made it clear that he prefers Italians to hold top positions in the country's cultural institutions, including museums and opera houses. While denying any prejudice against non-Italian directors, Sangiuliano argues that their prevalence suggests "a certain xenophile provincialism" that necessitates the appointment of an Italian candidate.
Currently, ten museum director positions are in the process of being filled, with requirements including fluency in Italian, marking a departure from previous calls to fill these roles.
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