The work of Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo Onlus. Purpose, scope, and impact on the local communities.

Fondazione Toscana Spettacolo (FTS) is a multidisciplinary regional network founded by the Tuscany Region and supported by other local entities. It is officially recognized by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and therefore eligible for funding from the National Fund for Live Entertainment (FNSV), known until last January as the Single Fund for Entertainment (FUS).

Among the various segments of activity that characterize the live entertainment sector, FTS does not handle production, but oversees all phases of distribution, promotion, and audience education. Specifically, its statutory objectives include widespread support for regional cultural operators, strengthening the diversity of offerings, and widespread audience awareness and education, with the aim of cultural growth and social inclusion, including in the most remote areas. FTS therefore plays a significant role for the region, both in terms of supporting supply and in terms of investing in training for the weakest segments of demand.

The aim of this note is to deepen our understanding of the activities carried out by FTS, focusing on two aspects in particular: 1) comparing them with those of other regional multidisciplinary networks (where possible, using data published on their respective websites or on the Ministry of Culture website); 2) assessing their territorial coverage, especially in the more peripheral areas. With regard to this second point, the activities of the Artistic Residencies are also analyzed for Tuscany only.

Regarding the comparison with other regional networks, a first positive finding can be gleaned from the ministerial rankings for fund allocation. FTS has maintained its place in Cluster 1, the strongest, over time, and in recent years has consistently ranked at the top of the rankings, based on indicators relating to the volume and quality of its activities. A second positive result is obtained by comparing the operators’ operating methods. FTS is among the networks with the greatest presence in peripheral areas, offering a greater number of performances per capita, and guaranteeing a wide range of free admission. A greater similarity emerges between the Tuscan and Piedmont cases, both in terms of the impact of the circuit’s activity on the regional total (8% of shows, 10% of spectators) and in terms of production value (approximately €6 million). Compared to Puglia, which has a more central role and a significantly larger turnover (€20 million), as it is essentially responsible for the entire regional live entertainment program. These profiles are also confirmed by an analysis of the composition of revenues. Public funding is essential for all entities, but FTS stands out for its higher incidence of revenues from ticket and season ticket sales (34% versus 25% in 2019), as well as for the greater importance of public funding from local entities other than the regional administration.

Regarding territorial coverage, the analysis considered pre-pandemic data (2019) and post-pandemic data. Before Covid, compared with the distribution of all theatrical activities registered by SIAE, FTS ensures greater coverage of the more peripheral areas and, in both central and peripheral areas, offers greater economic accessibility. The analyzed data therefore confirm that FTS is playing a significant role in expanding opportunities for cultural participation. In 2022, despite the persistence of some constraints, the data highlights a strong commitment to revitalizing the sector, benefiting both operators and audiences. The number of performances offered, in fact, increased compared to 2019, especially for the free portion. Overall, territorial coverage has also increased. To complete the analysis, a comparison was made with the activities carried out by the Tuscan Artistic Residences. With the data currently available, it emerges that the distribution of the RAs is entirely entrusted to FTS. RA shows accounted for 16% of the total distributed by FTS in 2019, a share that rose to 20% in 2022, with a slight expansion of territorial coverage. This confirms both the strong commitment to post-pandemic recovery and the shared underlying objectives of promoting greater territorial distribution of participation.