State of the Art(s) panel discussion, brought together various cultural stakeholders of the city to explore the current realities and potentials of synergies among them in the cultural scene of Athens.
Thematic focus:
The discussion focused on synergies between the different institutions and sectors, the importance and positive development of professional networks, mutual learning and cultural exchange and hands on practices and self-organization as a response to the lack of public support and infrastructure.
We explored the specific Athenian phenomenon of a very diverse and growing independent art scene and the positive example for collaboration between museums and foreign cultural institutes, providing education, spaces for research, artistic expression and capacity building.
Finally, together with our engaged international audience we sharpened our conclusions around the urgent need of adequate infrastructure – both concerning technical infrastructure and capacity building - for cultural actors and the need of a transparent mechanism that provides information for available infrastructure and funding.
Description: “State of the Art(s)“ panel discussion was hosted by COMM’ON and took place on the 5th of October in Ble Papagalos café, within the frame of the the 16th International MitOst Festival at Metaxourghio.
The goal of the discussion was to bring together various cultural stakeholders of the city to explore the current realities and potentials of synergies among them in the cultural scene of Athens.
The discussion was moderated by Silke Wittig (Curator and Art Mediator, co-creator at COMM’ON). Our guests were Juliane Stegner (Head of Programme South-East Europe, Goethe-Institut Athen), Monika Frank (Head of Culture and Press department, Embassy of Germany Athens - Germany in Greece), Sophia Handaka (Curator at The Benaki Museum, Coordinator of Museum Professionals Network) and Paky Vlassopoulou (Artist, founding member of artist run space 3 137) who provided us with insights on their role, their practice, current challenges and potentials.