Abstract

The Sixties: when studying was also seen as a way to equipe ourselves to become a responsible ruling class. The Italian Constitution (1948): «The Republic shall promote the development of culture...» a demanding knot for lawmakers and governements. The search for appropiate models. A positive example: the reform of the Venice Biennale in 1998: a newly renovated public institution operating with private right. The new need of trustfulness in present times. Culture, and trustfullness: combine autonomy, responsibility and reputation of cultural institutions, school and Universities. Culture in a civil society as the quality of the actions of its components. Permanent challenges in a civilization that wants to promote both individualism and rigths (and justice). Heritage, tourism and the economy in today’s Italy between culture, progress and the bewitching power of rent. Cultural rearmament for a vital society.: critical attidude and a bit of ruling class in every person. Education and formation: some distortion in a world where to attract students institutions peddle certficates for jobs, by-passing education. The much extended meaning of the word «culture» in a consumer’s society: the act of consumption claims its laurel. Reminding other different roles for «culture»: from an élite' equipment to an identity passpartout for everyone