PANEL DISCUSSION
The Revival and Integration of Ancient Theatres in Greece:
An Approach for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development
Thursday, April 21, 2016 / 12:30 – 2 pm / Room: MC 13-415
Ancient theatres are unique examples of exceptional architecture. These structures are works of art built to host works of art.; they reflect the originality, grace, sagacity, and expression of democracy and of citizens’ participation. Throughout the centuries, these buildings have kept the usefulness and the uniqueness of their form alive and up to date.
The role of Greek and Roman ancient theatres in Greece’s strategy for cultural and tourist sustainable development has never been more important. Through DIAZOMA, a citizens’ grassroots organization in Greece, efforts to study, restore and integrate these theatres in local cultural planning has been strengthened.
By exploiting the results of absolute synergy between citizens, institutions, Local and Prefectural Authorities, sponsors, and European funding programs, DIAZOMA developed integrated programs targeting the monuments’ maintenance and restoration, and their organic connection with sustainable development planning. These Programs, known as Cultural Itineraries & Archaeological Parks, are expanding gradually across Greece.
Objective of the Panel:
The event features a distinguished panel of experts who will focus on unpacking DIAZOMA’s model and the strategy aiming at supporting the revival and integration of the ancient theaters and contribute to economic and cultural sustainable development. Special focus will be given to the achievements in terms of technical support, investment leverage, integrated cultural and tourist development and multiple economic impact.
Chair:
Aigly Zafeirakou, Senior Education Specialist – Consultant, the World Bank
Presenters:
Stavros-Ioannis Benos, President of the Network DIAZOMA, a former Minister of Culture in Greece and former Mayor of Kalamata
Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, Professor of Archeology at the University of Athens and General Secretary of DIAZOMA
Discussant:
Stelios Vasilakis, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Stavros-Ioannis Benos, President of the Network DIAZOMA, a former Minister of Culture in Greece and former Mayor of Kalamata. Major achievements during his public service are: The reconstruction of the city Kalamata after the devastating earthquakes of September 1986; this project was awarded both by the European Council of Spatial Planners (for the original and human-centered urban restoration of Kalamata) and by EuropaNostra. (for the preservation and enhancement of the city’s monuments); the establishment and operation of the Citizen Service Centers (KEPs).
Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, Professor of Archeology at the University of Athens and General Secretary of DIAZOMA. He conducted excavations in Epidauros, in the islands of Naxos and Chios, in Attika (Marathon) and Acarnania (Palaiomanina). He directs works of restoration and presentation in the Epidaurian sanctuaries of Apollon Maleatas and Asklepios, as well as in the ancient city of Naxos and in the sanctuaries of Dionysos in Yria and of Demeter in Sangri in the same island. He won the first price of Europa Nostra for the excavation and the enhancement of the archaeological sites in Naxos (2003).
Stelios Vasilakis, Director of Programs & Strategic Initiatives at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. He holds a PhD in Classics and Modern Greek Studies from New York University. He has taught various undergraduate and graduate courses in classical literature, Byzantine culture and civilization, Modern Greek literature and Modern Greek language. From 2000-2009, he was the CEO of greekworks.com, a start-up multimedia cultural, educational and informational company in New York, and the premier publisher of Greek and Greek-related books in the US.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Conveners:
Hellenic WBG – IMF Staff Association
EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC)
Hellenic Foundation for Culture
Contact info: Aigly Zafeirakou at azafeirakou@worldbank.org
Calendar » The Revival and Integration of Ancient Theatres in Greece An Approach for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development
The Revival and Integration of Ancient Theatres in Greece An Approach for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development
PANEL DISCUSSION
The Revival and Integration of Ancient Theatres in Greece:
An Approach for Economic and Cultural Sustainable Development
Thursday, April 21, 2016 / 12:30 – 2 pm / Room: MC 13-415
Ancient theatres are unique examples of exceptional architecture. These structures are works of art built to host works of art.; they reflect the originality, grace, sagacity, and expression of democracy and of citizens’ participation. Throughout the centuries, these buildings have kept the usefulness and the uniqueness of their form alive and up to date.
The role of Greek and Roman ancient theatres in Greece’s strategy for cultural and tourist sustainable development has never been more important. Through DIAZOMA, a citizens’ grassroots organization in Greece, efforts to study, restore and integrate these theatres in local cultural planning has been strengthened.
By exploiting the results of absolute synergy between citizens, institutions, Local and Prefectural Authorities, sponsors, and European funding programs, DIAZOMA developed integrated programs targeting the monuments’ maintenance and restoration, and their organic connection with sustainable development planning. These Programs, known as Cultural Itineraries & Archaeological Parks, are expanding gradually across Greece.
Objective of the Panel:
The event features a distinguished panel of experts who will focus on unpacking DIAZOMA’s model and the strategy aiming at supporting the revival and integration of the ancient theaters and contribute to economic and cultural sustainable development. Special focus will be given to the achievements in terms of technical support, investment leverage, integrated cultural and tourist development and multiple economic impact.
Chair:
Aigly Zafeirakou, Senior Education Specialist – Consultant, the World Bank
Presenters:
Stavros-Ioannis Benos, President of the Network DIAZOMA, a former Minister of Culture in Greece and former Mayor of Kalamata
Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, Professor of Archeology at the University of Athens and General Secretary of DIAZOMA
Discussant:
Stelios Vasilakis, Director of Programs and Strategic Initiatives at The Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Stavros-Ioannis Benos, President of the Network DIAZOMA, a former Minister of Culture in Greece and former Mayor of Kalamata. Major achievements during his public service are: The reconstruction of the city Kalamata after the devastating earthquakes of September 1986; this project was awarded both by the European Council of Spatial Planners (for the original and human-centered urban restoration of Kalamata) and by EuropaNostra. (for the preservation and enhancement of the city’s monuments); the establishment and operation of the Citizen Service Centers (KEPs).
Vassilis Lambrinoudakis, Professor of Archeology at the University of Athens and General Secretary of DIAZOMA. He conducted excavations in Epidauros, in the islands of Naxos and Chios, in Attika (Marathon) and Acarnania (Palaiomanina). He directs works of restoration and presentation in the Epidaurian sanctuaries of Apollon Maleatas and Asklepios, as well as in the ancient city of Naxos and in the sanctuaries of Dionysos in Yria and of Demeter in Sangri in the same island. He won the first price of Europa Nostra for the excavation and the enhancement of the archaeological sites in Naxos (2003).
Stelios Vasilakis, Director of Programs & Strategic Initiatives at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. He holds a PhD in Classics and Modern Greek Studies from New York University. He has taught various undergraduate and graduate courses in classical literature, Byzantine culture and civilization, Modern Greek literature and Modern Greek language. From 2000-2009, he was the CEO of greekworks.com, a start-up multimedia cultural, educational and informational company in New York, and the premier publisher of Greek and Greek-related books in the US.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Conveners:
Hellenic WBG – IMF Staff Association
EU National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC)
Hellenic Foundation for Culture
Contact info: Aigly Zafeirakou at azafeirakou@worldbank.org