Athens, a city long known for its history of philosophy, art, and literature, is now gearing up to host its first Culture Night. The free, after-dark series of cultural events and activities produced by Athens Culture Net, will take place throughout the City this Friday, October 5.
This celebration highlights the relationship between art and narration in partnership with the 2018 Athens World Book Capital. Events are planned at dozens of cultural institutions and more than 26 galleries across Athens with exhibitions, live music, theatrical performances, poetry readings, mystery games, cultural treasure hunts and movie screenings. For a full listing of all of the events, activities, and participating cultural institutions, visit this link.
Over the past two years, the Athens Partnership has been proud to support Athens Culture Net (ACN) and promote Athens’ multitude of cultural assets - ancient and contemporary alike. ACN, whose founding donor is the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, is a network of cultural organizations operating in partnership with the Municipality of Athens. ACN promotes collaboration, idea exchange, use of public space, and shares best practices to elevate Athens as a destination for creativity. With 52 of the most prominent cultural institutions in Athens as members and growing, ACN has supported over 35 events since its creation including:
· Documenta 14: ACN supported the coordination of the documenta14 art fair, which hosted art exhibitions and installations in 40 sites across Athens including major squares like Syntagma, Kontzia and Victoria. This was the first time that Kassel, Germany co-hosted the fair with another city.
Documenta14 art fair attracted international attention
· Athens World Book Capital: A year-long celebration of literature with events happening across the city aimed at fostering a culture of reading in Athens.
Author Jeffrey Eugenidis at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
· Cultural programming at the Theotokopoulou Building: ACN undertook the planning and coordination for programming at this historic building, transforming it into an education, innovation, and cultural facility for Athens. Theotokopoulou has already hosted a number of creative groups and workshops in its first few months of operation.
· Open Schools Programming: Through ACN, the National Theatre, Museum of Cycladic Art, and the Music Library of Greece provided free workshops for students of all ages as part of the Athens Partnership Open Schools program. Open Schools is a municipal program offering free recreational and educational activities at 25 public schools during evenings and weekends.
Open Schools programming: theater for children
· ACN Social: More than 100 attendees from 50 different cultural groups participated in an event to enhance social media skills and communication strategies at cultural organizations. This is the first in a series of workshops that ACN is producing.
For more information on the Athens Culture Net, visit www.athensculturenet.com
Event hashtag: #culturenightathens