“Athens is the new Berlin” was a catch-cry that echoed throughout Greece and the diaspora from the moment the statement was uttered by Nicholas Bellavance-Lecompte, co-founder of Carwan Gallery in a 2017 interview. On closer look, “Athens is the new Athens”, and this is the focus of the digital conversation the Hellenic Museum is hosting with the Onassis Foundation Director of Culture, Afroditi Panagiotakou and Athens Biennale Co-Founder & Artistic Director Poka-Yio on Thursday 10 December at 6.30pm.
The conversation will explore the creative wave in Athens and ideate what’s next for this burgeoning creative hub.
The resisting and innovative spirit of Athens, was omnipresent; stories of a thriving contemporary art scene, sprouting art collectives and artist-run spaces, experimental theatre and memorable live music events mixed with bright young chefs, talented fashion and jewellery designers, uber cool venues and cutting edge architectural design – this was a dynamic movement mixing with a vibrant, visionary culture.
A sentiment of upheaval, renewal and creativity was shared by both Greeks and curious travellers who boasted first hand experiences, and a crowd of international artists and young people making the move to Athens to be part of the scene.
Now in the face of a new and uncertain future with COVID-19 threatening extended lockdowns, limitations for travel and the on-going social and economic turbulence of the Greek and European financial crisis, the Hellenic Museum enquire how the creative embers of Athens will be stoked in the face of these new challenges.
Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/art-in-athens-the-creative-wave-and-whats-next-tickets-128566001371
