Venice: Banksy's 'Migrant Child' to be Restored Despite Opposition

A Banksy artwork titled 'Migrant Child' has been removed from a 17th-century Venetian palazzo for restoration. The removal comes two years after the Italian Ministry of Culture first announced the plan, sparking opposition.

The mural depicts a small child wearing a life jacket and holding a flare emitting bright pink smoke, a reference to the global refugee crisis. The work, which first appeared at the Venice Biennale in 2019, has become a popular tourist attraction, but about a third of it has deteriorated due to humidity.

Despite opposition from artists and cultural heritage groups, Italian officials proceeded with the restoration. Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro and Undersecretary of Culture Vittorio Sgarbi supported the initiative.

Banca Ifis, through a program promoting art and culture, is overseeing the removal of the mural. Federico Borgognoni, the conservator who oversaw the removal of Banksy's 'Aachoo!' from a house in Bristol in 2021, has been commissioned to carry out the restoration.

While it has not been decided where the work will be exhibited after restoration, a spokesperson stated that it will not be placed in a closed museum.