Aboriginal activist Gary Foley has been chosen to launch the 2015 Greek History and Culture Seminars series on Thursday.

Dr Foley will speak on the topic of “reclaiming cultural heritage” by drawing parallels to the return of Aboriginal artefacts from the British Museum and the languishing case of the Parthenon Marbles.

It’s something Dr Foley has had direct experience in, fighting the British Museum to return priceless aboriginal bark art.

Although unsuccessful, Dr Foley managed to bring the artefacts back home for a short while on loan. He almost succeeded in repatriating them, by placing an emergency declaration (almost like a caveat) the minute the artefacts touched down on Australian soil.

Sadly the declaration was lifted by the Melbourne Museum, but the whole ordeal brought international exposure to the harsh stance the Museum held and still holds to foreign cultural antiquities.

Before he gives his lecture, Dr Foley will be introduced by Professor Nikos Papastergiadis.

This will be the first time the Greek Community of Melbourne and Victoria (GOCMV) will host the full seminar series in the new home of the Greek Centre for Contemporary Culture.

The opening night will be held on March 5 at 7pm in the mezzanine floor at the Greek Centre of Contemporary Culture, 168 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.