27/11/2001

Following the recent proposals made in Italy by the Berlusconi government to hand over the management of Italian museums to private companies, it is France’s turn to tackle the prickly issue of privatisation. On Thursday the 29th of November, the much debated legislation presented by Culture Minister Catherine Tasca will be voted by the Senate. The reform, if passed, will allow the sale of certain pieces belonging to the French artistic heritage. Museum directors or curators will have the faculty of bringing objects before a scientific commission to be “declassed” if not considered of major importance. The sale of these works could bring new funds for the acquisition of other art works on the market, enabling public institutions to buy important art treasures that might otherwise be sold abroad. In France, even if a work is classified as being of historical importance, it can still be sold abroad if the state does not buy it at market price. (Luisa Vassallo)