GCDN Annual Convening – Athens 2024: Full Schedule

17:30 EEST

REGISTRATIONS

Monday May 20, 2024 17:30 - 18:00 EEST
Canal Café @ SNFCC Evripidou 6, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

18:00 EEST

OPENING APERITIVO

Welcome to the GCDN Annual Convening – Athens 2024!

This welcome aperitivo is meant to be a casual icebreaking moment for GCDN members and guests to already meet ahead of the packed couple of days to follow.

The aperitivo will be held outdoors at the Canal Café on the Northern shore of the Canal at the SNFCC Park. As the weather in Athens in late May can be quite warm, we strongly advise you to wear light clothes and sunscreen.

Monday May 20, 2024 18:00 - 21:00 EEST
Canal Café @ SNFCC Evripidou 6, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Private event

09:00 EEST

REFRESHMENTS AND REGISTRATIONS

Tuesday May 21, 2024 09:00 - 10:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Registration

10:00 EEST

WELCOME REMARKS

Speakers

Elly Andriopoulou

Managing Director, SNFCC

Elly Andriopoulou is the Managing Director of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), appointed in June 2020 and renewed in December 2023. Before joining the SNFCC, Elly held leadership positions in banking, strategy consulting, and most recently, philanthropy.More... Read More →

Adrian Ellis

Chair, GCDN, Director, AEA Consulting

I am a Director of AEA Consulting and chair of the Global Cultural Districts Network. I have worked in senior management and as a board member in both museums and the performing arts and as a strategy consultant to clients in the cultural, public, and business sectors around the world... Read More →

Olga Kefalogianni

Minister of Tourism, Government of the Hellenic Republic

Olga Kefalogianni was born in Athens in 1975.She is a graduate of the School of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (1997) and holds two postgraduate degrees, from King's College, University of London (LL.M, 1998) and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 10:00 - 10:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

10:30 EEST

CULTURAL DISTRICT AS AGORA: THE ATHENS PERSPECTIVE

What does it mean to be an agora – a communal public space – today? How do we create and maintain places where everyone feels that they belong? In a period of growing polarization, the role of cultural districts as places that support inclusivity and openness has never been higher on our agendas, but the barriers are complex and hard to surmount. So how do we go about it? To get us started and anchor the convening in its geographical context, this opening session focuses on the perspective from Greece, the origin of both the word and the concept.

Moderators

Adrian Ellis

Chair, GCDN, Director, AEA Consulting

Speakers

Elly Andriopoulou

Managing Director, SNFCC

Christos Dimas

Deputy Minister of Culture, Government of the Hellenic Republic

Tuesday May 21, 2024 10:30 - 11:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

11:30 EEST

BREAK & BREAKOUT

Tuesday May 21, 2024 11:30 - 12:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Break

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] FEMINIST CITYMAKING

What kind of intersectional urban planning and policymaking would enable us to create thriving agoras at the heart of our cities and communities? Culturally-rich, nurturing places in which everyone feels safe, healthy, empowered, and heard? Join us as we delve into the transformative realm of feminist citymaking.

In this active dialogue, we’ll confront the inherent social inequities that are woven into the built environments that surround us and the shortcomings of the traditional urban planning practices that underpin them. Through the lens of leading initiatives from different parts of the globe, we’ll unveil what a feminist approach to citymaking rooted in principles of collaboration, generosity, non-hierarchization, adaptability, flexibility, and care looks like in practice. Central to this discussion is a recognition that feminist urban practice isn't just beneficial for women; it's essential for the health of democracies and the well-being of all citizens.

From addressing inadequate access to essential services to tackling urban pollution, this session will illuminate how cultural districts that embrace feminist citymaking can heal societal fractures and foster vibrant, equitable communities. Whether you're a cultural planner or policymaker, architect or arts leader, join us as we identify actionable strategies for collectively fixing our broken systems – one public space at a time

Moderators

Robyn Bennett

International Programme & Partnerships Lead, Creative Bureaucracy Festival

Robyn Bennett is a key driving force behind the Creative Bureaucracy Festival, a platform that seeks to celebrate and connect those who are thinking, planning and acting with creativity to make public governance fit for the 21st century (“creative bureaucrats”). She oversees the... Read More →

Speakers

Nourhan Bassam, Ph.D.

Founding Director, The Gendered City

Nourhan is the director of GamingX, an urban activation and placemaking organisation based in Amsterdam. Nourhan is "The Gendered City." Author a book that was purchased in 23 countries around the world and discusses wide topics of gender equality in cities. As a feminist urbanist... Read More →

Ana Buritica

Advisor, Secretary of Women Affairs of Bogota

Eva Grigoriadou

Founding Director, URBANA

Eva Grigoriadou is the founder of URBANA, an interdisciplinary research team established in 2019 in Athens, Greece. URBANA aims to guarantee the right to the city for all, focusing on social groups that have traditionally been less involved in urban planning and decision-making processes... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: The Dome Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] PROCESSES OF MIGRATION, INTEGRATION AND SOCIAL COHESION: THE ATHENS PERSPECTIVE

As a species, humans are inherently migratory. It is our nature to explore our world and seek ways to improve our lives. Nevertheless, recent years have seen a significant rise in global migration rates, influenced by a multitude of factors ranging from economic disparities to geopolitical unrest.

Public spaces have always held a pivotal role as centres for human interaction and cultural exchange, serving as platforms for the sharing of stories, perspectives, and welcome. Independent of political agendas they contribute to processes of welcoming, cultural integration, and social cohesion by providing access to new experiences of meaningful urban, cultural, and community life.

What does that look like in practice? How do these processes unfold, and what impact do they have? What does genuine inclusivity look like, and how can it be effectively cultivated?

This session aims to explore these questions in the local context by focusing on three Athens-based initiatives working to encourage successful cultural integration through public space activation via music, theatre, and sport.

Moderators

Sofia Kouvelaki

CEO, The Home Project

Sofia Kouvelaki is the Chief Executive Officer of The HOME Project. She was the Program Manager of the Bodossaki Foundation Program for Unaccompanied Minors and inter alia, in charge of projects on Social Welfare Provision to socially vulnerable groups. She has worked at the UN and... Read More →

Speakers

Will Ascott

Co-Founder, Free Movement Skateboarding

I'm passionate about developing the skills of young people and have been lucky enough to use my life long passion of skateboarding to do this. Ruby Mateja and I co-founded Free Movement Skateboarding in March 2017, offering skateboarding workshops to young refugees and locals in Athens... Read More →

Anis Barnat

Co-Founder, El Sistema Greece

Anis is a multi-cultural citizen of the world with experience and journeys in the private sector, public administration, private-public institutions. A social entrepreneur committed to a core life’s mission as co-founder of El Sistema Greece, Anis believes in community arts projects... Read More →

Yolanda Markopoulou

Director and Creative Producer, Polyplanity Productions

Yolanda Markopoulou is a director creating interdisciplinary works with a focus on the use of site-specific locations and public space. She has directed over twenty performances and short films. In 2007, she founded SYNERGY-O, a collective art space in the center of Athens, where... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Book Castle Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] THE CULTURE OF LEISURE

Culture, and particularly cultural programming, significantly influences the design and management of public spaces. Cities aspire to cultivate inclusive environments resonating with diverse minds, practices, and identities. As cultural institutions seek meaningful engagement beyond enclosed structures, questions arise: What cultural approach should they envision for programming? Is there a trade-off between high and low culture? Can consumption and pure enjoyment coexist? Moreover, can public spaces be catalysts for experimentation while appealing to a broad spectrum across socio-economic and geographic backgrounds? This session critically examines fostering engagement and inclusion through popular and contemporary cultural programming in public spaces.

Moderators

Ramon Marrades

Director, Placemaking Europe

Ramon Marrades is an economist and urbanist with a passion for port cities, public spaces, culture, and innovation. He is currently Director at Placemaking Europe, the network that connects practitioners, academics, community leaders, market players, and policymakers across the field... Read More →

Speakers

Marjan Faraidooni

Chief of Education & Culture and Chief of HR, Expo City Dubai

Tasked with making sure Dubai’s Expo 2020 delivers an enduring economic and social impact Marjan Faraidooni spends her time contemplating all-important investments in infrastructure and the redevelopment of the Expo site, while promoting culture, history and traditions around the... Read More →

Marilynn Gardner

President & CEO, Navy Pier, Inc.

Navy Pier President and CEO Marilynn Gardner oversees the complex daily operations, programming, long-term visioning, and fiscal wellbeing of one of Chicago’s greatest recreational assets and the Midwest’s most visited destination.An enthusiastic ambassador and advocate for her... Read More →

Elena Mavromichali

Strategist - Cultural Advisor, Hellenic Republic - Prime Minister's Office

A leading strategist on culture, creativity, and innovation, with more than 20 years of professional experience, acting since 2019 as the Advisor on Arts and Culture, to the office of the Prime Minister of Greece, collaborating with the General Secretariat of the Greek Government... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

13:00 EEST

LUNCH

Tuesday May 21, 2024 13:00 - 14:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Lunch

14:30 EEST

[FOCUS TRACK] BUILDING MODERN AGORAS: THE BOTTOM-UP WAY

Focus Tracks are 90-minute sessions. Five presenters will each give an 8-minute presentation from their specific context, tailored to fit the session topic. This is followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A. Two Focus Tracks will run concurrently, repeated on 21 and 22 May. This Track focuses on cultural districts that develop organically from grassroots initiatives. It brings together leaders from different geographies to explore how these “bottom-up” projects can succeed in leveraging and pulling together various stakeholders around a shared vision to transform their area into vibrant, inclusive multifaceted ecosystems.

Moderators

Emma Wilcox

Consultant: Purposeful Placemaking, Wilcox Associates

With thirty years’ experience in the cultural and creative industries my specialism is in purposeful placemaking, delivering culture-led regeneration with equity and relevance.I was the founding Director of Creative Estuary, a £7.7m programme to develop the Thames Estuary as a... Read More →

Speakers

Jesper Koefoed-Melson

Director, Kulturdistriktet

I'm director of a Cultural District in central Copenhagen in Denmark started in 2020.Through partnerships and cultural events we highlight the assets of the Cultural District for the decision makers thereby influencing the urban development.Our purpose is to include more people in... Read More →

Maria Papadimitriou

Lead Artist, Victoria Square Project

Maria Papadimitriou is a Greek contemporary visual artist. After graduating with an honors degree in painting from the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts (ENSBA), Paris, Papadimitriou began practicing as a visual artist in 1989. She realizes her artworks through sculpture... Read More →

Esther Rausenberg

Artistic & Executive Director, Eastside Arts Society

Esther is a photo-based artist working both in analog and digital who has exhibited locally, nationally and internationally in Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, and Croatia.She is Co-Artistic Director of Creative Cultural Collaborations Society (C3) a project based visual arts organization... Read More →

Natasha Sharma

Lead, Arts & Design and Co-curator of Govandi Arts Festival, Community Design Agency

Natasha is an artist-researcher and urban practitioner based in Mumbai, India. Her practice illustrates the role of arts and culture as a crucial scaffolding to urban development. Through artistic-community engagements, she creates social and spatial interventions of pause and play... Read More →

Shelley Worrell

Founder, Little Caribbean

Shelley Worrell is the founder and CEO of ‘I AM CARIBBEING,’ a company that literally defined and spearheaded the development of Little Caribbean in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Book Castle Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Focus track

14:30 EEST

[FOCUS TRACK] BUILDING MODERN AGORAS: THE TOP-DOWN WAY

Focus Tracks are 90-minute sessions. Five presenters will each give an 8-minute presentation from their specific context, tailored to fit the session topic. This is followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A. Two Focus Tracks will run concurrently, repeated on 21 and 22 May. This Track focuses on cultural districts developed as part of ambitious master plans. It brings together leaders from different geographies to explore how these “top-down” projects can succeed in taking root in their area and become vibrant, inclusive, multifaceted ecosystems.

Moderators

Antoni Durski

Senior Consultant, AEA Consulting

Antoni is a Senior Consultant with over a decade of experience bringing specialized expertise in business planning, financial modeling, investment strategies, and audience research methods for a wide range of clients in the cultural and creative industries.Projects have included work... Read More →

Speakers

Tamsin Ace

Director of East Bank, Director of East Bank - East Bank

I am representing East Bank and London College of Fashion. East Bank is the UK’s newest Cultural Quarter at the heart of Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park; a brand-new destination for innovation, creativity and learning. Creating world-class experiences from BBC, Sadler’s Wells, UAL’s... Read More →

Tim Reeve

Deputy Director, Victoria and Albert Museum, Chair of East Bank Board

Tim Reeve has been Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the world's leading museum of art, design and performance, since 2013. Taking a strategic and operational overview of all museum activities, Reeve is also leading the creation of... Read More →

Charalampos Chaitas

Executive Director for Culture and Arts, Qiddiya Investment Company (Public Investment Fund)

Youssef Hayat

Communication Director, Agence d'Urbanisation et de Développement d'Anfa (AUDA)

Michael O'Leary

Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation

Michael has worked in the Victorian Public Sector since 1999 when he began work in the Department of Education.In addition to his current role as Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation, he has held numerous senior executive roles across the Victorian Government... Read More →

Lucie Renou

International Project Manager, Samoa

Samoa, Creative Urban DeveloperLucie is in charge of international public relations and international cooperation projects management for Samoa in Nantes, France.Samoa is a publicly owned agency with a dual mission: the steering of the urban redevelopment project of the Île de Nantes... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Focus track

14:30 EEST

[WALKSHOP OUTDOORS] PERFORMANCE AND PLACEMAKING

Experiencing live performance creates powerful, embodied moments for convening and reflection, whether that is encountering an unexpected dance performance in a public space or having a downtown stroll scored by a local musician. Performance artists all over the world have been harnessing that power to shape the social and physical character of their cities, attracting and engaging new audiences along the way. Many, especially post-Covid 19, have brought their performances and programs out of theaters and directly into nontraditional and unexpected locations, challenging how audiences regard public spaces and the way people move through them.

Join us on a guided journey through SNFCC park, where we will walk alongside local artists, exploring their original site-specific works and discussing the impact performance can have on creative placemaking strategies.

This includes 90 minutes of walking outside with limited shade. Wear hats, light clothing, and walking shoes, and please remember to bring water with you.

Format: A guided walk and performance experiences in the park.
As participants arrive at the session starting location, they will be given a colored sticker and list of guided questions to help spark explorative discussion. We will ask everyone to find other people with the same color sticker to pair up with on their journey. We will begin our guided journey through the SNFCC park to the first Artist Encounter. Attendees will discover and watch each performance before proceeding on the journey. In between performances, we will reflect on and discuss each encounter. There will be 3 Artists Encounters in total, each with ~10 minute performances. Walks in between encounters will be ~5 minutes.

All groups + artists will reconvene at the Park Kiosk for an open discussion and Q+A with the artists.

Moderators

Alyssa Cartwright

Coordinator, Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN)

Alyssa has a background in visual arts and working in support roles in creative fields. Prior to joining AEA, Alyssa worked for artist Jacob Hashimoto, where she assisted in the production of his wall works and installations. She has also worked as a Fulfillment Manager in New York... Read More →

Bella Stenvall

Research Analyst, AEA Consulting

A dance-maker turned researcher, Bella is invested in embedding arts and culture into the choreography of public life as a means of social change. She applies an interdisciplinary approach to strategy development, research, and analysis, all while integrating her own experiences as... Read More →

Artists

Chara Stergiou

Artist

Chara’s practice focuses on the point where epistemological research and artistic practice merge.Exploring current hard-to-describe aesthetic spatialities through sonic narratives about phenomena of seemingly invisible and immaterial nature, she has developed the artistic methodology... Read More →

Iria Vrettou

Artist

Iria Vrettou is a Greek artist, born in 1995 and based in Athens. She holds a Diploma in Animation from the University of the Arts London and an MA in Contemporary Art Practice-Moving Image from the Royal College of Art, London. Her practice is primarily focused on concepts and modes... Read More →

Konstantinos Papanikolaou

Artist

Konstantinos Papanikolaou holds a postgraduate degree in dance from University Paris 8 | Vincennes – Saint-Denis and has studied psychology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Ηe has collaborated with Gerard & Kelly and Olivier Marguerit and has taken part in the Biennale... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Park Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Outdoors format

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP INDOORS] ASSESSMENT AND DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR CULTURAL DISTRICTS: A CONEXIONES CREATIVAS WORKSHOP

Assessment and Decision-Making Framework for Cultural Districts (90 minutes)

This interactive workshop is designed for professionals leading the development of nascent and/or young creative and cultural districts, including urban planners, cultural policy makers, arts & culture managers, creative entrepreneurs. Through guided analysis and discussion, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the district's current state and lay the groundwork for strategic, sustainable growth.

Key Workshop Elements:

Practical Framework: Examine key elements of a growing cultural district, including: understanding of the creative ecosystem, governance and operational models, economic drivers, asset management, cultural and creative tourism integration, and aligning with local and international agendas.
Action-Oriented Assessment: Learn how to evaluate your district's strengths and weaknesses within these areas, developing a targeted plan to guide future decisions and achieve the district’s goals.
Collaborative Learning: Share insights and challenges with peers in similar roles, fostering a valuable network and cross-pollination of ideas.
Take-Home Toolkit: Leave the workshop with a comprehensive handout outlining potential strategies and action items to help you chart a short and medium term planning.

Speakers

Paula Trujillo

Director of Strategy, Conexiones Creativas

As Strategy Director of Conexiones Creativas (CC), a finalist for the prestigious UNESCO World Creative Economy Award in 2023, I'm deeply committed to strengthening creative ecosystems across Latin America and Southern Europe. At CC, cultural and creative districts are our core focus... Read More →

Conrado Uribe Pereira

Director of Contents, Conexiones Creativas

As Content Director of Conexiones Creativas (CC), a finalist for the prestigious UNESCO World Creative Economy Award in 2023, I'm deeply committed to strengthening creative ecosystems and cultural and creative districts (CCDs) across Latin America and Southern Europe. Since 2018 we... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Workshop room 2 Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Workshop

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP INDOORS] NIMBLE STRUCTURES, GLOBAL IMPACT: HARBOURFRONT CENTRE’S THE DISTRICT PROJECT

Adopting a startup mentality in established cultural institutions: can it drive financial innovation and sustainability? The District is a pilot project at the intersection of art and commerce, developed in collaboration with leading international arts organizations and powered by blockchain technology. This workshop invites participants to explore the entrepreneurial journey within the framework of established institutions – examining the shifts in mindset, strategy, and operations required to nurture entrepreneurial capabilities and drive revenue. Join this workshop to explore the lessons learned so far and inform how the project might evolve.

Moderators

Hilary Knight

Senior Consultant, AEA

I'm a Senior Consultant with AEA Consulting where, along with delivering strategic planning projects and business planning, I have a particular focus on the intersection of arts, culture and digital technologies. I have over 20 years of experience working in and for creative and cultural... Read More →

Tim Robertson

Chief Digital Officer, Harbourfront Centre

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Workshop room 1 Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Workshop

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP OUTDOORS] MENDING: MATTERS OF MUD-MAKING WITH IO MAKANDAL FOR A FERAL COMMONS

In this immersive workshop South African artist Io Makandal will guide participants in engaging with tactile soil materials as earth medicine towards soil remediation in the Stavros Niarchos Park park. Numerous studies show that working with soil is beneficial for mental health and well-being. In acts of caring for soil Makandal will facilitate a process of re-membering and mending a connection to Earth - relationship building as a form of artistic activism. The workshop is an opportunity to tacitly engage in the ethos and methodology of The Global Co-commission 'A Feral Commons' presenting a framework for social and sustainable public art, fit for purpose in 2024 and beyond.

Helmed by Alserkal Advisory in partnership with the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), the Global Co-commission is an initiative to commission site-specific public art that responds to local environmental imperatives whilst documenting principles of responsible commissioning in an era of escalating climate crisis.
Curator: Tairone Bastien
Districts: Alserkal Avenue (Dubai, UAE), Kingston Creative (Kingston, Jamaica), Victoria Yards (Johannesburg, South Africa)
Artists: Muhannad Shono, Camille Chedda, Io Makandal
Supported by: UAP - Urban Art Projects

Moderators

Roxani Kamperou

Project Manager for the Global Co-commission & Programs Advisor GCDN, Alserkal Advisory & GCDN

Roxy facilitates ambitious art and culture made by extraordinary people.Currently she is Programs Advisor for the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), Project Manager for the Global Co-commission A Feral Commons for Alserkal Advisory and Producer at Quaternaire, a producing and... Read More →

Artists

Io Makandal

Artist, Io Makandal

Io Makandal is an interdisciplinary artist based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Working with drawing, photography, organic matter and installation, her practice is concerned with feminist and environmental embodiments of process, entropy, urban ecology, and hybrid environments during... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Park Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Outdoors format

16:00 EEST

BREAK

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:00 - 16:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Break

16:30 EEST

KAYAKING THE CANAL (GROUP 1)

Enjoy a unique kayaking experience at the SNFCC Canal.

The Canal is one of the iconic areas of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). It was designed in a way to redefine the relationship between the Center and the waterfront, not only in terms of the view but also physically incorporating the element of water.

Up to 20 participants per session | Duration: Up to 30 minutes
Participants are advised to bring an change of clothes in case they get wet.

Meeting point: Lighthouse Terrace (where we had lunch)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:30 - 17:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

16:30 EEST

GUIDED TOUR OF THE SNFCC (GROUPS 1 & 2)

Explore the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). A creation of the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), the SNFCC is a building complex of pioneering architecture that houses the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera as well as a series of public spaces.

Wander through the indoor and outdoor spaces of the complex, in a guided tour that highlights how the SNFCC's design, construction and operation reflect its vision of creating a public space open to all.

Up to 20 participants per group – 2 groups running simultaneously | Duration: 60 minutes

Meeting point: Lighthouse Terrace (where we had lunch)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:30 - 17:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

16:30 EEST

ALEX MYLONA | FULFILLMENT – CURATORIAL WALKTHROUGH & WORKSHOP

The revival and/or fulfillment in modern-day terms of Alex Mylona’s vision is proposed by the outdoor exhibition that is presented at the Esplanade of the SNFCC, curated by Syrago Tsiara, in the context of the collaboration between the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) and the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum.

The concept of the exhibition focuses on female artistic creation as it correlates with historical and institutional reality, restrictive terms, the dream and the praxis of transcendence.

Walkthrough led by Syrago Tsiara, Art historian, Exhibition curator, Director of the National Gallery - Alexandros Soutsos Museum

Workshop:
17.00- 17.45
Drawing inspiration from the sculptural works of artist Alex Mylona, we use the medium of papercut as an ongoing creative process. We convert two-dimensional paper surfaces into interwoven three-dimensional forms.

Design - Implementation:
Ismene King & Ileana Arnaoutou, visual artists, ARTWORKS Fellows

Up to 20 participants | Duration: 75’ | Meeting point: Canal Café (where we had the opening cocktail)

Speakers

Syrago Tsiara

Director, The National Gallery of Greece – Alexandros Soutsos Museum

Syrago Tsiara was born in Larissa. She completed her studies in History and Archaeology at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and continued with a master’s degree in Social History of Art at the University of Leeds, UK. Her PhD thesis focuses on art in public space and the... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:30 - 17:45 EEST
Canal Café @ SNFCC Evripidou 6, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

16:30 EEST

BIKING AT THE SNFCC

Enjoy this cycling experience with the SNFCC city bikes, in a guided ride that highlights SNFCC’s commitment to sustainable mobility and bicycle culture. The ride follows the 2.5km bike lane surrounding the complex, goes through the Esplanade, and reaches the Faliro Bay coastline!

Up to 20 participants per tour | Duration: 45’
Participants are encouraged to wear sport/ casual clothes and comfortable shoes; sunscreen and hats are also recommended.

Meeting point: Lighthouse Terrace (where we had lunch)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:30 - 17:45 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

16:30 EEST

WINE TASTING

The Greek Wine Federation invites you to join us for an exclusive exploration of Greek wines!

After an introduction to his country's rich winemaking history, Greek Wine Master, Konstantinos Lazarakis, will make you discover the unique characteristics of a selection of 7 local wines (3 white, 3 red, 1 desert) carefully curated for the convening attendees and generously provided by the Greek Wine Federation.

Wine list:

Tselepos Estate - Mantinia
Gerovassiliou Estate - Malagousia
Gaia Wines – Thalassitis
Domaine Skouras - Nemea Grande Cuvee
Lyrarakis Estate - Liatiko
Boutari Wineries - «Νaoussa Grande Reserve»
United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos – Anthemis
Argyros Estate – «Vinsanto First release»

Speakers

Konstantinos Lazarakis

Master of Wine

After studying jazz guitar and mechanical engineering on the National & Technical University of Athens, I became Sommelier of Jajazzo Restaurant in Athens - the first restaurant in Greece to hire a full time sommelier and the first to be awarded a Michelin star. Now I work as an Imports... Read More →

Tuesday May 21, 2024 16:30 - 18:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

17:30 EEST

KAYAKING THE CANAL (GROUP 2)

Tuesday May 21, 2024 17:30 - 18:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Optional activities

20:30 EEST

HOSTED DINNER

Beyond a delicious menu composed by our hosts with a variety of local dishes that cater to all preferences, this year's Hosted Dinner is also an opportunity to discover local wines – thanks to generous support from the Greek Wine Federation – whose General Director, Theodoros Georgopoulos, will introduce to us.

Wine has been an integral part of Greek culture for over 4000 years. With more than 300 indigenous grape varieties grown under excellent environmental circumstances, some of which have been cultivated since ancient times, the Greek wine industry is recognized throughout the world.

Created in 1995, the Greek Wine Federation aims, among others, at the developing the production and distribution of Greek wines and vinicultural products through research and technological innovation.

Wine list for the Hosted Dinner:

Tetramythos Winery – Roditis Nature
Kitrus Winery – Malagousia
Akrani Estate - Malagousia
Tselepos Estate – «Blanc de Gris»
Domaine Hatzimichalis – Assyrtiko
Domaine Sigalas – Santorini
Nico Lazaridi Winery – Evil Eye
Muses Estate – A.Muse rose
Kechri Winery – Roza
Ktima Spiropoulos – Nemea Unoaked
Alexakis Winery – Kotsifali
Voyatzis Estate – Xinomavro
Boutari Wineries - Naoussa Grande Reserve
Tsililis Winery – Limniona
United Winemaking Agricultural Cooperative of Samos - Samos Grand Cru

Speakers

Theodoros Georgopoulos

General Director, Greek Wine Federation

Tuesday May 21, 2024 20:30 - Wednesday May 22, 2024 00:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Private event

09:00 EEST

REFRESHMENTS AND REGISTRATIONS

Wednesday May 22, 2024 09:00 - 10:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Registration

10:00 EEST

CULTURAL DISTRICT AS AGORA: THE MACRO PERSPECTIVE

What is a true agora – a communal public space – today? How do we create and maintain places where everyone can feel that they belong? In a period of growing polarization, the role of cultural districts as places that uphold inclusivity and openness has never been higher on our agendas, but the barriers are complex and hard to surmount. So how do we go about it? Expanding the focus beyond the Greek context and building upon the conversations from the previous day, this plenary session invites us to reflect on diverse strategies and models and to explore how cultural districts can more fully realize their potential as centers of social and cultural activity at the heart of public life.

Moderators

Sharon Ament

Director, The Museum of London

Sharon Ament is Director of the Museum of London and has variously been a cultural ambassador for the Mayor of London and member of the Mayor’s Cultural Leadership Board; on the London Area Council of Arts Council England, Co-Chair of the Women Leaders in Museums Network. Now she... Read More →

Speakers

Ore Disu

Director, The Institute (MOWAA)

Ore Disu is the Director of The Institute, the research and collections facility of the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA). Ore brings over 10 years of experience in cultural programming, research and stakeholder management to bear in the design and execution of early-stage programmes... Read More →

Chereda Grannum

Manager, Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny Programme, Government of Barbados

Chereda Grannum is a Cultural Strategist and has been involved in public policy and programme development for over a decade. Her work has focused on building and strengthening Barbados' relationships, exchanges and interactions between population groups and institutions of the African... Read More →

Aastha Johri

Creative Director, Dhun, Jaipur

Aastha Johri is a creative director based in Jaipur, India. Her range of experiences includes the conceptualization and execution of projects in the fields of ecological restoration, community building, cultural conservation, experience design, and creative placemaking. She is a founding... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 10:00 - 11:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

11:00 EEST

GROUP PICTURE

Wednesday May 22, 2024 11:00 - 11:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Private event

11:30 EEST

BREAK & BREAKOUT

Wednesday May 22, 2024 11:30 - 12:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Break

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] EXPERIMENTS IN GOVERNANCE AND OWNERSHIP

As cultural districts and the organizations that comprise them are under increasing pressure due to issues of affordability, polarization, safety, and inclusivity, new models for governing cultural spaces have emerged. This session will use a fishbowl style format to explore how these models expand ownership and democratize decision-making to ensure that cultural districts remain affordable for artists and accessible, equitable public spaces for all.

Moderators

Annie Bares

Research Analyst, AEA Consulting

Annie is a Research Analyst on AEA Consulting's New York team. She has experience in qualitative and quantitative research, data analysis, communications, fundraising, and project management in the cultural and higher education sectors.Prior to joining AEA, Annie completed a Ph.D... Read More →

Emily Harney

Senior Associate, AEA Consulting

Emily has over 15 years of leadership experience in the non-profit arts sector, with broad expertise across areas of strategy, planning and assessment; facilitation for cross-functional and interdisciplinary collaboration among diverse stakeholders; partnership and community engagement... Read More →

Speakers

Vivian Doumpa

Co-founder, STIPO Greece

Vivian Doumpa is STIPO’s first associate partner outside the Netherlands. She is co-founder of the local office of STIPO in Greece, representing the organisation in the South East Europe region. Vivian works as an international connector and passionate board member of Placemaking... Read More →

Natassa Dourida

Founder, Communitism

Starting from my urge to contribute in restoring cultural heritage buildings in Athens, I had to engineer some orignal methodologies in motivating community mechanisms and make them function. Being a structural engineer with a master in restoration of monuments I am applying the principles... Read More →

Konstantinos Karalariotis

SNFCC Youth Council Member, SNFCC

Dina Ntziora

Founding Director, We are Community

Founding Director We are Community,Enriching Culture,Empowering Unity:Together, We Are CommunityImagine walking through vibrant streets pulsating with the rhythm of diverse cultures, where every corner tells a story and every mural is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: The Dome Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] GLOBAL LGBTQ+ STORYTELLING

LGBTQ people and communities are inherently placemakers. Despite being some of the most vulnerable in society, LGTBQ communities are some of the most resilient and ingenious. Their engagements in art, activism, social and civic service find unique expressions of visibility and celebration. Community organizations, art institutions, and other actors leverage many of the strategies deployed by cultural districts in their efforts to enlarge accessibility, a sense of safety and belonging for LGBTQ people. In San Francisco, there are three distinct LGBTQ Cultural Districts recognized by the State of California. Elsewhere, and especially in Europe, LGBTQ neighborhoods remain an important institution in the physical and social landscape of cities. This session will bring together LGBTQ-focused practitioners from across Europe to share how they are engaging with their communities.

Moderators

Robin Abad Ocubillo

Citywide Ombuds, City of Oakland, Co-Founder, Global LGBTQ Storytelling Congress

Robin Abad Ocubillo is a dedicated public servant with a passion for civic innovation in public space design, planning, evaluation, and policy. In May 2023, he will finish a 3-year term as Director of Shared Spaces San Francisco, helping communities leverage the public realm for... Read More →

Speakers

Thalia Kiousi

Head of Inclusion Programs, Me Alla Matia

Thalia is a graduate of the Department of Philosophy, Pedagogy, and Psychology, University of Athens, with training in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation and Social Inclusion of Disabled people. She has been working for years as a personal assistant for people with motor... Read More →

Eric Solis

Event Producer / Architect, Fever / Imaginary Space

Eric Solis is a passionate learner, creator, community advocate and multidisciplinary design professional. A proud alumnus of the USC School of Architecture, Eric currently operates as an event producer with Fever and as a freelance design consultant under his own studio & practi... Read More →

Gijs Stork

Facilitator, Queer Currents

Gijs Stork focuses on connecting various disciplines in art: from fashion and design to music and spoken word. He is also committed to increasing the attention for queer elements within the art scene. Gijs has founded concepts including Queer Currents, De SALON and Magazijn. In the... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Book Castle Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

12:00 EEST

[B/OUT] THE ROLE OF ANCHORS – THE APAC PERSPECTIVE

Larger cultural institutions have a definitional role within cultural districts. They can use their central position, influence, and resources to promote inclusivity, facilitate community engagement, education, and the exchange of ideas. However, fulfilling this outward-facing mandate requires explicit strategies that may seem onerous to organizations already reimagining their operating and business models, traditional offerings, and understanding of core audiences, which have all been up-ended by tectonic shifts over the last few years. And there may even be resistance from stakeholders who believe their mission and financial capacities don’t extend to a wider social role. How can these institutions position themselves to fulfill their outward-facing responsibilities as anchors of community life and stewards of culture? This session is a collaboration between the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN) and the Association of Asia Pacific Performing Arts Centres (AAPPAC); initially the discussion will be presented at the 2024 GCDN convening, and later will travel to AAPPAC's conference in Taipei. In Athens, we delve into the Asia-Pacific perspective, inviting leaders of cultural anchors from that region to explore how these institutions can authentically embrace their community role, forge a collective civic identity that fosters a culture of inclusivity, and truly become shared spaces for all.

Moderators

Alex Budd

Director, Canberra Theatre Centre

Alex rejoined the Canberra Theatre Centre as Director of the national capital's arts centre, six weeks before COVID disrupted operations, having worked at the Centre 25 years earlier as a lighting technician. The Centre is in planning stages for a major redevelopment which will... Read More →

Speakers

Michael O'Leary

Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation

Yvonne Tham

CEO, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay

Yvonne is the Chief Executive Officer of The Esplanade Company Ltd where she is responsible for the overall management and programming direction of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Yvonne first joined Esplanade in 2014 as Assistant CEO of Esplanade and took on the CEO role in 2018.Prior... Read More →

Austin Wang

Former CEO, Taipei Performing Arts Center

Austin Mang-Chao Wang / Former CEO of Taipei Performing Arts CenterAustin graduated from Master of Fine Arts in Stage and Lighting Design, University of Southern California, USA. Worked as Senior Production Manager and Stage Designer for Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, works like Moon Water... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Breakout session

12:00 EEST

[WORKSHOP INDOORS] DIGITAL PLACEMAKING FOR LOCAL COMMUNITIES

Digital placemaking is focused on attracting communities of all types to deepen their connection with the public realm and, in turn, with each other. Tailored in the right way, technology can bring a space to life, helping to reinforce a place’s identity and most importantly, delivering a center that is of, by and for the community. Creating the right conditions for an engaging and meaningful experience requires careful preparation on the part of the practitioner; it cannot happen by accident.

In this workshop Smartify CoFounder Thanos Kokkiniotis will share best practice from a range of case studies from UK, US and beyond; and lead a strategic ideation workshop, helping attendees develop their own community-centered digital initiatives.

Speakers

Thanos Kokkiniotis

CEO, Smartify

Jessica Sharpe

Head of Experience, Michigan Central

Wednesday May 22, 2024 12:00 - 13:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Workshop room 1 Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Workshop

13:00 EEST

LUNCH

Wednesday May 22, 2024 13:00 - 14:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Lunch

14:30 EEST

[FOCUS TRACK] BUILDING MODERN AGORAS: THE BOTTOM-UP WAY

Moderators

Emma Wilcox

Consultant: Purposeful Placemaking, Wilcox Associates

Speakers

Jesper Koefoed-Melson

Director, Kulturdistriktet

Esther Rausenberg

Artistic & Executive Director, Eastside Arts Society

Maria Papadimitriou

Lead Artist, Victoria Square Project

Natasha Sharma

Lead, Arts & Design and Co-curator of Govandi Arts Festival, Community Design Agency

Shelley Worrell

Founder, Little Caribbean

Shelley Worrell is the founder and CEO of ‘I AM CARIBBEING,’ a company that literally defined and spearheaded the development of Little Caribbean in Flatbush, Brooklyn.

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Book Castle Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Focus track

14:30 EEST

[FOCUS TRACK] BUILDING MODERN AGORAS: THE TOP-DOWN WAY

Focus Tracks are 90-minute sessions. Five presenters will each give an 8-minute presentation from their specific context, tailored to fit the session topic. This is followed by a moderated discussion and Q&A. Two Focus Tracks will run concurrently, repeated on 21 and 22 May. This Track focuses on cultural districts developed as part of ambitious master plans. It brings together leaders from different geographies to explore how these “top-down” projects can succeed in taking root in their area and become vibrant, inclusive, multifaceted ecosystems.

Moderators

Antoni Durski

Senior Consultant, AEA Consulting

Speakers

Tamsin Ace

Director of East Bank, Director of East Bank - East Bank

Tim Reeve

Deputy Director, Victoria and Albert Museum, Chair of East Bank Board

Charalampos Chaitas

Executive Director for Culture and Arts, Qiddiya Investment Company (Public Investment Fund)

Youssef Hayat

Communication Director, Agence d'Urbanisation et de Développement d'Anfa (AUDA)

Michael O'Leary

Deputy CEO & Project Director, Melbourne Arts Precinct Corporation

Lucie Renou

International Project Manager, Samoa

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Focus track

14:30 EEST

[WALKSHOP OUTDOORS] PERFORMANCE AND PLACEMAKING

Experiencing live performance creates powerful, embodied moments for convening and reflection, whether that is encountering an unexpected dance performance in a public space or having a downtown stroll scored by a local musician. Performance artists all over the world have been harnessing that power to shape the social and physical character of their cities, attracting and engaging new audiences along the way. Many, especially post-Covid 19, have brought their performances and programs out of theaters and directly into nontraditional and unexpected locations, challenging how audiences regard public spaces and the way people move through them.

Join us on a guided journey through SNFCC park, where we will walk alongside local artists, exploring their original site-specific works and discussing the impact performance can have on creative placemaking strategies.

This includes 90 minutes of walking outside with limited shade. Wear hats, light clothing, and walking shoes, and please remember to bring water with you.

Scope of session:
Focus: Performance Art, people in bodies, bodies in space
How artists will fit into the session: 3 original performances by local artists throughout a predetermined walk. Discussion at end of session

Format: A guided walk and performance experiences in the park.
As participants arrive at the session starting location, they will be handed a colored post-it note and list of guided questions to help spark explorative discussion. We will then ask everyone to find other people with the same color post-it to pair up with on their journey. 3 groups total.
Each group will begin to walk a predetermined, clearly marked path, leading them to their first Artist Encounter - performance by local artist. (They can take this time to introduce themselves, break the ice a bit).
Groups will discover and watch each performance before proceeding on their journey. In between performances, groups can reflect on and discuss each encounter, using the set of guided questions if they choose. There will be 3 Artists Encounters in total, each ~10 minutes in duration. Walks in between encounters ~5 minutes.

All groups + artists will reconvene at the end of the session to have an open discussion or Q+A with the artists involved.

Moderators

Alyssa Cartwright

Coordinator, Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN)

Bella Stenvall

Research Analyst, AEA Consulting

Artists

Chara Stergiou

Artist

Iria Vrettou

Artist

Konstantinos Papanikolaou

Artist

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Park Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Outdoors format

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP INDOORS] ASSESSMENT AND DECISION-MAKING FRAMEWORK FOR CULTURAL DISTRICTS: A CONEXIONES CREATIVAS WORKSHOP

Practical Framework: Examine key elements of a growing cultural district, including: understanding of the creative ecosystem, governance and operational models, economic drivers, asset management, cultural and creative tourism integration, and aligning with local and international agendas.
Action-Oriented Assessment: Learn how to evaluate your district's strengths and weaknesses within these areas, developing a targeted plan to guide future decisions and achieve the district’s goals.
Collaborative Learning: Share insights and challenges with peers in similar roles, fostering a valuable network and cross-pollination of ideas.
Take-Home Toolkit: Leave the workshop with a comprehensive handout outlining potential strategies and action items to help you chart a short and medium term planning.

Speakers

Paula Trujillo

Director of Strategy, Conexiones Creativas

Conrado Uribe Pereira

Director of Contents, Conexiones Creativas

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Workshop room 2 Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Workshop

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP INDOORS] NIMBLE STRUCTURES, GLOBAL IMPACT: HARBOURFRONT CENTRE’S THE DISTRICT PROJECT

Moderators

Hilary Knight

Senior Consultant, AEA

Tim Robertson

Chief Digital Officer, Harbourfront Centre

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Workshop room 1 Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Workshop

14:30 EEST

[WORKSHOP OUTDOORS] MENDING: MATTERS OF MUD-MAKING WITH IO MAKANDAL FOR A FERAL COMMONS

Moderators

Roxani Kamperou

Project Manager for the Global Co-commission & Programs Advisor GCDN, Alserkal Advisory & GCDN

Artists

Io Makandal

Artist, Io Makandal

Wednesday May 22, 2024 14:30 - 16:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Park Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Outdoors format

16:00 EEST

BREAK

Wednesday May 22, 2024 16:00 - 16:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Meals & breaks, Break

16:30 EEST

KEYNOTE: PROFESSOR STATHIS KALYVAS

Moderators

Adrian Ellis

Chair, GCDN, Director, AEA Consulting

Speakers

Professor Stathis Kalyvas

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Stathis N. Kalyvas is Gladstone Professor of Government and fellow of All Souls College at Oxford. Until 2018 he was Arnold Wolfers Professor of Political Science at Yale University, where he founded and directed the Program on Order, Conflict, and Violence and co-directed the Hellenic... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 16:30 - 17:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

17:00 EEST

NURTURING DIALOGUE AND PROTECTING EXPRESSION

This session marks the culmination of our discussions of the agora and explores the pivotal role cultural leaders play in shaping civic discourse and the current challenges inherent in this role. For many leaders of cultural institutions the current chapter is perhaps the most demanding of their professional lives. One particularly challenging aspect is the extent to which many issues with a strong ethical – and therefore often a political – dimension have moved from ‘background’ to ‘foreground’ – that is, the increased salience of issues that present themselves in forms that require overt institutional positions to be taken.

Many of the issues are both complex – ethically, legally, and in their practical and financial implications – and contested – in that there is not a consensus among stakeholders as to either their moral significance or the appropriate course of action. They therefore have the potential to polarize opinion. Additionally, recourse by interested parties to social media often render the resolution of these issues more intractable and more pressing.

Examples include:
Balancing freedom of expression with other moral imperatives, including the protection of minority rights;
Taking responsibility for addressing historical social and racial injustices;
Responsibilities for environmental and social impact of endowments; and sponsors; and donors;
Etc…

What are reasonable expectations of institutional leaders faced with these complex and controversial issues? What can leaders do to manage those expectations? What are the responsibilities of other stakeholders and how can they be encouraged to embrace them? What are the long term implications for the field of arts leadership? What would help to equip arts leaders to navigate these issues with greater confidence?

Moderators

Patrick McIntyre

Chief Executive Officer, National Film & Sound Archives

Patrick is an Australian cultural leader with over 30 years’ experience. Prior to joining the NFSA as CEO, he served as Executive Director of the Sydney Theatre Company for over 11 years. Earlier roles include Associate Executive Director of The Australian Ballet, General Manager... Read More →

Speakers

Adrian Ellis

Chair, GCDN, Director, AEA Consulting

Professor Stathis Kalyvas

Chairman of the Board of Directors, Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

Lily Cabatu Weiss

Executive Director, Dallas Arts District

Lily Cabatu Weiss is the Executive Director for the Dallas Arts District and served as theArtistic Director for Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing & Visual Arts (BTWHSPVA), 2nd Artistic Director since Paul Baker, founder of the school. She served as Chair of the Dance... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 17:00 - 18:00 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

18:00 EEST

CLOSING SESSION

In this closing session, Charles Landry, Co-Founder of GCDN's strategic partner Creative Bureaucracy Festival gives us his summary of proceedings as an active listener.

We proceed with closing remarks from the GCDN leadership and we announce the GCDN Annual Convening 2025.

Speakers

Adrian Ellis

Chair, GCDN, Director, AEA Consulting

Charles Landry

Co-founder, Creative Bureaucracy Festival

Charles is an international authority on the use of imagination and creativity in urban change. He is currently a fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin. He invented the concept of the Creative City in the late 1980’s. Its focus is how cities can create the enabling conditions... Read More →

Gregorio Lucena Scarpella

Director, Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN)

Greg is the Director of the Global Cultural Districts Network (GCDN), a dynamic membership organization of over 60 international cultural districts with a mission to improve the quality of urban life through the arts, culture and creative industries.As Director of GCDN, Greg is responsible... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 18:00 - 18:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: Lighthouse Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Convening sessions, Plenary

19:00 EEST

PERFORMANCE BY THE GREEK NATIONAL OPERA BALLET & CLOSING COCKTAIL

Les Nuits d'Été (20min)
Choreography: Konstantinos Rigos, Artistic Director of the Greek National Opera Ballet
Music: Hector Berlioz
Dancers of the Greek National Opera Ballet: Vangelis Bikos, Elena Kekkou, Despina Chrysostomou, Marita Nikolitsa, Eleftheria Stamou, Manex Alberdi, Yannis Gantsios, Stefano Pietragalla, Yannis Mitrakis

This short performance will be followed by a closing aperitivo in the SNFCC Park

Artists

Konstantinos Rigos

Choreographer, GNOballet Director, Greek National Opera

Born in Athens, he studied economics and graduated from the Greek National School of Dance. In 1990, he founded the Oktana Dancetheatre, many productions of which have toured internationally. His shows have been featured in over 40 international festivals in many cities around the... Read More →

Wednesday May 22, 2024 19:00 - 20:30 EEST
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center: The Dome Leof. Andrea Siggrou 364, Kallithea 176 74, Greece

Social events, Private event

11:00 EEST

[OPTIONAL TOUR] DISCOVER THE ELLINIKON

Join an exclusive tour of The Ellinikon

Meeting time: 11:00am EEST – guests are expected to make their own way to the meeting point.
How to find us details: https://experiencepark.theellinikon.com.gr/en/plan-your-visit/
Meeting point: Experience Park parking lot ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/hqYWsPAXfPR8yTp8A )
Capacity: 15 people, first come first serve basis

***
The tour will begin at The Ellinikon Experience Park, and more specifically The Ellinikon Experience Centre.

The Ellinikon Experience Centre introduces The Ellinikon project to the world and highlights the site’s legendary history and the project’s ambitious vision. Housed in a restored heritage-listed former Aviation Hangar, it reveals the past, present and future of The Ellinikon. Through five interactively enhanced thematic zones, visitors will delve into the greatest urban development project in Europe, embarking upon a sustainable, smart, and innovative future.

The tour will continue and end with The Eero Saarinen Terminal Building within the premises of Ellinikon.

The former East Terminal building was originally designed and built between the years 1959 and 1963 and was one of the last works by world-renowned Finnish-born American architect Eero Saarinen (1910 – 1961). It will be our pleasure to welcome you all to witness the majesty of this beautiful architectural gem.

We shall then meet back at The Experience Park where you may enjoy a stroll around at your own time and pace.

Thursday May 23, 2024 11:00 - 13:30 EEST

Social events, Optional tour

11:00 EEST

[OPTIONAL TOUR] VISIT EMΣT | THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART ATHENS

Convening attendees can enjoy free entrance to the National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMΣT) at any time during opening hours on Thursday, May 23, by simply showing their GCDN Convening Accreditation.

ADDRESS: National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens (EMΣT) is located in Kallirrois Avenue & Amvr. Frantzi Str, former Fix factory. Access for people with reduced mobility is from the entrance on Syngrou Avenue.

***
EMΣT is the leading national institution for contemporary art and visual culture in Greece, and one of the flagship institutions in Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean.

It was founded in 2000 and for the first years of its existence, it operated as a nomadic institution. In 2015 it moved into its permanent premises, the former FIX brewery, a landmark industrial building of 20.000 metres built by celebrated Greek modernist architect Takis Zenetos (1926-1977) at the end of the 1950s.

The pioneering building was renovated for the occasion and now boasts state of the art facilities, eight exhibition spaces, two auditoriums, a library, archive, café, and restaurant and 360-degree views of Athens, including the Acropolis, in the heart of bustling Athens and within reach of some of the city’s most diverse and exciting neighbourhoods, such as Koukaki, Plaka, and Monastiraki.

The Μuseum regards art and visual culture as a transformative element in education, knowledge production, storytelling and a tool for the advocacy of progressive and emancipatory values in society. Among the Μuseum’s founding goals is to promote innovative and experimental artistic movements and the production of ambitious works in audiovisual and multi-disciplinary media.

More information: https://www.emst.gr/en

Thursday May 23, 2024 11:00 - 19:00 EEST

Social events, Optional tour

12:15 EEST

[OPTIONAL TOUR] GUIDED TOUR OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF GREECE

Join an exclusive guided tour of The National Gallery of Greece

Meeting time: 12:15pm EEST – guests are expected to make their own way to the meeting point.
Location: The National Gallery of Greece – Central Building, Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou 50, Athens 116 34, Greece
Meeting Point: Ticket Office at the entrance area of the museum
Duration: 60min
Capacity: 35 people, first come first serve basis

Join a guided walk through the historic paintings collection of the National Gallery of Greece.

The National Gallery collections comprise more than 20,000 works of painting, sculpture, engraving and other forms of art; this is the treasury of Modern Greek art, encompassing the period from the post-Byzantine times until today.

Find out more: https://www.nationalgallery.gr/en/buildings/national-gallery-central-building/

Thursday May 23, 2024 12:15 - 13:30 EEST

Social events, Optional tour