An interesting ‘side effect’ of the economic crisis in Greece is the flourishing of contemporary art, according to The New York Times.

Journalist Katherine LaGrave visited Athens and claims that even though austerity measures have been to the detriment of the Greek people, it appears that there have been two beneficiaries.

Tourism has shot up to 28.8 per cent in the first three months of this year, as well as artistic activity.

Contemporary art has sprung up during the crisis, as the political and economic turmoil offers a great deal of inspiration to the artists.

The audience, exhausted and in need of support, is also seeking more creative exits during these difficult times.

Moreover, Athens is one of the cities with the cheapest rent for studio space compared to other European capitals.

LaGrave is surprised by the fact that artists from abroad keep choosing as their basis a country where federal artistic funding is almost non-existent.

Ms Iliana Fokianaki, Athens-based curator, art critic and founder of ‘State of Concept’, decided not to leave Greece, seeing the economic crisis as a reason to stay.

“I realised it would be much more useful to have an artistic platform in a city like Athens than another European city,” said Fokianaki.

“The crisis kind of boosted our energy to do more things, rather than flee the country.”

LaGrave mentions a series of events artists can attend if they plan on visiting Athens during the Greek summer.

She suggests ‘Snehta Residency’, where applications have tripled for its two-month Athens-centric research residencies.

The Athens and Epidaurus festival, including exhibitions ‘Renaissance Stories’ and ‘Terrapolis’ organised by the non-profit NEON, and displays at the Museum of Cycladic Art, are also extremely popular.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that ‘Documenta’, the world-renowned exhibition of modern and contemporary art which takes place every five years in Kassel, Germany, will be co-hosted by Athens.

Adam Szymczyk, the exhibition’s artistic director, said that Athens was chosen in an effort to boost artists struggling with the economic and political crisis.

“Athens seemed to be the place where contradictions meet,” Szymczyk said.

“The cradle of civilisation affected by crisis and debt while its citizens endure a lasting uncertainty as to their future.”

* ‘Documenta’ starts in Athens in April 2017 and will be moving to Kassel later on the same year.