Detailed agenda

What role can the arts play in inspiring and empowering citizens? This session will look at how the intersection of art, politics and activism has evolved, and what it might look like in the future.

The year 2021 was a landmark year for restitution. Artifacts long housed in museums in Germany, Belgium, the U.S. and France were returned to their African countries of origin. Meanwhile, Greece’s famed Parthenon marbles remain in Britain, with Boris Johnson insisting that it is up to the British Museum’s trustees, and not his government, to decide their fate.

This panel will take a hard look at some of the thorniest questions surrounding restitution issues: Who should be tasked with determining whether works have dubious origins? And what is the responsibility of governments and institutions in deciding whether those works should be returned?

More information to follow soon.

Athens might be known for its antiquities and rich heritage, but there is also growing excitement about contemporary arts, in the form of both funding and international attention. Waves of immigration have led to an increasingly diverse cultural output. With its lively gallery scene and activist-minded artists, Athens’ cultural star is rising.

What can it learn from other cities that have weathered similar transitions? Can the city simultaneously embrace both the old and the new, or will history weigh it down?

Culture has long been used as a form of “soft power,” in addition to more prominent diplomatic tools. But just how effective has it been in furthering democratic aims?

In the age of Extinction Rebellion, climate change is a rich subject for artists. At the same time, the industry hasn’t necessarily been praised for its sustainable practices, with globetrotting art fair-goers, and entire collections being flown from one exhibition to another. How should the art world address this implicit contradiction? 

Part I: Panel: How Can and Should Practices Change? 

Part II: Conversation: How Can Art Spur Action To Counter The Crisis? 

From “just” $400 million at the beginning of 2021, the market cap for Non-Fungible Tokens reached a staggering $16.7 billion by the end of the year, according to DappRadar. Some argue that this is just the latest speculative bubble to hit the art world.

Others, however, think the technology behind the unique digital artworks exemplifies a whole new egalitarian ethos: One where elites no longer hold the power, art is more accessible to the masses and can therefore have more impact. What is the future of the NFT, and who will be shaping it?

As creators grapple with public discontent about the environmental impact of fashion, art and design, many are increasingly looking to local artisans to craft their pieces – and/or local producers to source a variety of materials. What are the history and challenges of this trend, and is it sustainable?

More information to follow.

More information to follow.

More information to follow.

Small-group visits to 3 different artistic neighborhoods. (Lunch included.)

More information to follow.

Offering several reservation-only tours, or suggestions for cultural experiences

• Exarheia walk through grafitti and public art ending up at Kalidromiou Food Market (Laiki)
• Lunch at Varvakeios Fish & Meat Market 
• Monastiraki flee market
• Exarcheia and other city walks
• Public Art at Niarchos (by NEON)
• Pedion tou Areos Park
• National Gallery
• Benaki Pireos
• Dance performance at Herodion or elsewhere
• Artist studios
• Coins Exhibition
• Goulandris Foundation

Departure for Hydra (organized by yourself)

• Opening of Jeff Koons’ exhibition at Deste Foundation (8 p.m.)
• Hydra School Project
• Exclusive visits to collectors’ homes