Giffoni's director and founder, Claudio Gubitosi, recently published an open letter in which he continues to ask for a dialogue with the Minister of Culture and the institutions. After a silent protest in Rome, Gubitosi explains his motivations and underlines the importance of the festival for Italian and international culture.
Article Key Points
Criticisms of Funding
Reduced Gubitosi highlights that in the last five years, Giffoni has benefited from an annual funding of 950 thousand euros from the Ministry of Culture, much higher than other festivals that do not exceed 250 thousand euros. This sudden cut and the publication of the call for proposals that imposes a maximum ceiling of 400 thousand euros just two weeks before the start of the festival have created many difficulties for the organization.
The Festival's Impact on Youth
The director emphasizes the crucial role of Giffoni in the lives of millions of kids, as well as the record turnout at the 54th edition of the festival. Many parents and journalists have praised the festival's ability to engage young people and keep them away from smartphones, an achievement considered extraordinary in today's context.
The Support of Political Personalities
Numerous political figures, including Giuseppe Conte and other deputies and senators, have expressed their support for Gubitosi. Despite this, Gubitosi specifies that his protest is not against the Government and the parties, but a direct request to Minister Sangiuliano for greater attention and dialogue.
The Future of Giffoni
Gubitosi fears for the future of the festival, highlighting the risk of closure and layoffs if funding is not restored. He emphasizes that Giffoni is not just a cultural festival, but an institution that has brought significant structural transformation to the territory.
A Call for Stability
The director concludes his letter by reiterating the need to reconsider Giffoni's positioning within state funding to ensure stability and continued growth. Gubitosi expresses his commitment to stabilize the institution for the coming years, urging a constructive dialogue with Minister Sangiuliano. With this letter, Gubitosi hopes to raise awareness among institutions about the importance of Giffoni and obtain the necessary support to continue contributing to the cultural and social growth of young Italians.
Article published on 2 August 2024 - 14:03
