Andrea Ganelli, the new president of Turin’s Circolo dei lettori Foundation, says he is open to discussing a possible role for Italy’s Ministry of Culture in the governance of the Turin International Book Fair. He stressed that he has not yet formed a definitive view and wants to assess the proposal before taking a position.
Ganelli said he plans to meet the minister, private stakeholders and Turin’s municipal administration. In his view, the ministry’s presence should not automatically be considered harmful, and institutional involvement is not incompatible with pluralism. He added that the issue should be assessed on its merits rather than through an approach based on alliances or opposition.
The current governance rules are due to expire at the end of the year, while any changes would require the unanimous approval of the members. Ganelli said that, without a formal proposal or request from the ministry, it would be difficult to express a final assessment. He nevertheless believes a balance can be found, including in relation to resources.
Ganelli added that his mandate from Regional President Alberto Cirio is to safeguard pluralism, rather than to promote a specific position. He intends to apply the same open approach to relations with Vale, Turin’s new cultural hub, and its president, Maurizia Rebola.
The new foundation president said he plans to meet Rebola soon and favours complementarity over competition. He said the Circolo dei lettori will continue on its own path while working with its management board to identify areas of cooperation and develop the strongest possible synergies.
Sources: ANSA Cultura.