The Director of the National Archaeological Museum of Greece (NAM), Dr Anna Vasiliki Karapanagiotou, presented a seminar at the Greek Centre’s Delphi Bank Mezzanine last Tuesday 26 April outlining recent developments in the campaign for the Repatriation of Greek cultural property.
The presentation, which was available online across Australia and the USA, was organised by the Greek Community of Melbourne on the eve of the launch of the Open Horizons exhibition at the Melbourne Museum which features a select collection from the NAM.
GCM Board Member Dr Spiridoula Demetriou introduced Dr Karapanagiotou highlighting her incredible career achievements.
“I was very delighted to receive an invitation from the GCM to talk about the Repatriation of Greek cultural property and role of the National Archaeological Museum and I accepted without hesitation,” Dr Kapapanagioutou said, explaining the Greek government policy on the issue of cultural repatriation of artefacts such as the Horses of Saint Mark.
Dr Karapanagiotou also brought to light that origins of the debate about ownership of cultural artefacts from antiquity. One of the examples was the stealing of the Paladion by Odysseus and Diomedes with the thought that it if they stole it that would lead to the capture of Troy.
Further into her fascinating presentation, the NAM Director referred to the Medici Conspiracy book which exposes the latest version of the one of the oldest cons in the world: theft, smuggling and duplicitous dealing-all in the name of art.
Following the presentation, Cultural Programs Chair for the GCM, Leo Vlahakis, expressed his gratitude and excitement regarding the NAM’s efforts to repatriate Greek cultural property.
“Whilst we all are very aware of the high profile campaign around the Parthenon Marbles, it was both interesting and encouraging to hear Dr Karapanagiotou explain the work that the NAM is doing in this most important issue for not just Greece and its cultural legacy, but for all societies who look to their history to help define their identities and seek restitution from the colonial grab of the last 500 years,” he said.
Mrs Varvara Ioannou, member of the community advisory group to the Melbourne Museum took to the podium and gifted a copy of her recently published book with the tittle “Her Voice, Greek women and their friends” to Dr Karapanagiotou.
“We would like to express our congratulations and gratitude to you, for your most inspiring and outstanding presentation and concluded, your knowledge and passion for this area are second to none and all of us here will remember your presentation for as long as we will live,” said Mrs Ioannou.
Mr Vlahakis joined GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, Dr Demetriou and Board Members Dr Bossinakis, A/Prof Marini Piripiris, Vicki Kyritsis, Dr Nick Dallas, Jeana Vithoulkas and Helen Hiotis to present Dr Karapanagiotou with a commemorative plaque to mark her visit and presentation.
Dr Karapanagiotou’s presentation can be viewed on demand at the GCM’s YouTube channel.
The exhibition Open Horizon showing pieces from the National Archaeological Museum of Greece runs at the Melbourne Museum until 14 August.
