The role of Foundations in protecting Immovable Cultural Property in Italy: The "State-Oriented" Model versus Alternative Solutions based on Private Ownership.

This paper's main objective is to identify the key role that alternative regimes based on integration and cooperation between public regulatory authories and private property could play within the context of protection and enhancement of cultural property. In this regard, The National Trust in the United Kingdom has inspired innovative solutions all around the world, including also Italy where foundations are taking on an increasingly important role in the protection of immovable cultural heritage, in parallel with the broader consensus regarding the participation by the private sector at different levels. Due to insufficient public funding and infrastructure in this area, the involvement of the private sector is crucial, and this in turns calls for the implementation of virtuous regimes governing cooperation between public and private institutions.