Chamber of Deputies President Roberto Fico, in a visit lasting more than two hours, spent the morning in Capodimonte with Director Bellenger, with whom he discussed the master plan developed by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (Mibact) and Invitalia, which encompasses the entire area.
The €5 million grand project will be further explored by the government and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, who nonetheless emphasizes its value: "It's an extraordinary project that moves toward the future and launches Capodimonte into a future of culture, cultural education, and jobs for all citizens, not just Neapolitans." Fico highlights several of the Masterplan's actions, from digital investments to investments in the historic porcelain factory building, through to improved services and "the idea of the forest as a public resource, accessible to all." He then calls Capodimonte "an extraordinary place, unique in Italy and Europe," praising Bellenger's work. "Credit where credit is due," he emphasizes, "since the new management took over, this place has changed pace. There's a different mentality, with wonderful initiatives of all kinds involving the city." And regarding the controversy surrounding the appointment of foreign directors, which has also been fueled in the past by the Five Star Movement, the president clarifies: "We need to appoint competent people. It's not a question of being Italian or not; the important thing is that the appointments are based on transparency and merit, a concept that has often been lacking in Italy." Bellenger praises the uniqueness of Capodimonte, "a fabulous reality," he says, "unique in Europe, with the largest urban forest in Italy and a historic garden next to an important collection and palace. It's like having the Prado next to the gardens of Versailles." From this perspective, the Masterplan could be crucial, because this heritage "must be exploited, and our project is very detailed, but not utopian."
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Article published on January 21, 2019 - 18:29 AM - Regina Ada Scarico
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