One of the most consequential art news stories of 2015 was the appointment by the Italian Ministry of Culture of 20 new museum directors leading institutions as large as the Uffizi in Florence and Capodimonte in Naples to smaller places like the Paestum Archaeological Park and National Gallery of the Marche in Urbino.

When the appointment process started, the Ministry of Culture was clear that its search would embrace foreign candidates who could bring a more international understanding of museum fundraising, approaches to marketing, digital engagement, education, organisation of travelling loan shows, and public programming. And the ministry made good on its word.