Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.
It’s not clear whether it’s an exercise in buck passing, giving power to the people – or a bit of both. But officials in charge of restoring Italy’s precious culture heritage have given the public the chance to decide which antiquities or works of art should be saved first.
The Culture Ministry chose eight works from across the country which are badly in need of repair. They ranged from an ancient Roman marble horse to Renaissance paintings by Raphael and Perugino. The art-loving public was asked to vote on a dedicated Facebook page for the work they felt most deserved to be restored.
“Italy needs help restoring its art and monuments,” ministry official Anna Maria Buzzi said. “Ticket sales alone are not enough to completely fund their upkeep.”
But some observers say neither the government nor its citizens should be choosing which precious objects to save and which to neglect given that Italy earns so much in tourism from its arts an antiquities.
France, which has rather less to preserve and restore, spends 1 per cent of its GDP on culture compared with only 0.2 per cent in Italy. Restoration experts and engineers frequently note that even economically hamstrung Greece does a better job of caring for its antiquities, despite the economic crisis.
Perugino’s painting Madonna and Child won the Facebook vote. It’s not clear what will happen to the other seven works of art. What is certain is that there are many more in need of attention.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments