Have you ever come across the endless gardens of the Agricultural University of Athens? Do the visual arts have a role to play in academic life? Can you imagine Athens as a ‘green’ city? The Onassis Cultural Centre in a project curated by locus athens aims to reintroduce the Agricultural University to Athenians, inviting them to discover one of the country’s first academic institutions as a relevant and necessary oasis within the urban landscape.

Soil, food, seeds, eco-systems will be some of the vital bi-products of research into the primary materials on hand. Academic knowledge, technological methodologies, agricultural practices will be understood through the prism of contemporary art.ave you ever come across the endless gardens of the Agricultural University of Athens? Do the visual arts have a role to play in academic life? Can you imagine Athens as a ‘green’ city?

The Onassis Cultural Centre in a project curated by locus athens aims to reintroduce the Agricultural University to Athenians, inviting them to discover one of the country’s first academic institutions as a relevant and necessary oasis within the urban landscape. Soil, food, seeds, eco-systems will be some of the vital bi-products of research into the primary materials on hand. Academic knowledge, technological methodologies, agricultural practices will be understood through the prism of contemporary art.

Geometries will be a dense three-month cycle of sowing and reaping, activating different layers and locations of academic life, and an open invitation for a walk through the University’s gardens. An exhibition, with new productions, contemporary and historical works, will provide the framework for a public programme with seven Sundays dedicated to our environment: a procession honoring urban rivers, a rowing competition and an open-air cinema with a film programme dedicated to the issues raised by climate change. The exhibition unfolds in the Agricultural Museum, in the University’s central building and the extensive gardens of the Agricultural University of Athens.

The public programme is divided into 7 themes – salt, fire, gardens, seeds, water, earth and air – within which numerous events will take place: workshops, cooking sessions, food, talks, recordings, performances, walks and readings amongst other things. Throughout the public programme Athenians will be invited to discover known and lesser known aspects of the University – the vineyard, the orchard, the botanical gardens, whilst becoming living participants in the University’s constantly evolving history, from Ottoman times till now.

Visitors will have the chance to learn alternative farming practices, discover hands on the philosophy of building from earth, meditate on the history of stones, discover new ways of communing food, gain insights into the history of man’s own evolution set off by the agricultural revolution, focus on climate change as well as be immersed in many more vital facets of our natural world.

Dates and opening hours:

During Easter holidays the exhibition will be closed from Thursday 5/4 until Sunday 8/4.

Thur-Fri 17:00-21:00
Sat-Sun 12:00-21:00

An educational programme run by the Onassis Foundation helps children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) familiarize themselves with the procedures involved in air travel. 

Have you ever wondered how easy or difficult it is for a child with autism to cope with the various procedures involved in travelling by air? What about having to process the multitude of sensory stimuli with which they are bombarded in an airport feels like? Do you know how you could help if you found yourself next to a child or adult with Autism Spectrum Disorder and they reacted in an intense and unexpected way brought on by airport-related stress?

For a child or adult with ASD, air travel isn't always about recreation or relaxation, as both children and adults are often required to travel long distances for crucial treatment. Unfortunately, the stressful nature of air travel (the electronic arrivals and departures boards, the noise, the constant movement from one place to another, the waiting and delays, the take-off and landing procedures, possible in-flight turbulence etc.) very often mean these vital trips cannot be made. It is no surprise that parents of children with ASD are hesitant about choosing to travel by air. The fact that roughly 1 in 68 children in the general population are currently diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum makes this an issue that impacts on a lot of people. Indeed, given that our approach to autism is both a reflection of our culture and our education as individuals, it is ultimately relevant to us all.

Intent on enabling children with ASD to spread their wings and prepare to fly, the Onassis Foundation has created an innovative educational programme, "Boarding Pass to Autism", which consists of the following elements:

1) an air procedures simulation for children with autism

2) an educational resource for therapists and parents of children with ASD which consists of social stories

3) a training course delivered to staff at Athens International Airport

4) a leaflet created to raise air travellers' awareness of autism.

The educational programme was created by the Onassis Foundation in association with Athens International Airport under the academic aegis of Athens University and with the generous support of AEGEAN. The programme's two academic leads are Dr Aggeliki Gena, a Clinical Psychologist and Professor of Psychology at Athens University, and Dr Katingo Hadjipateras-Giannoulis, a Clinical Psychologist

Affiliate Fellow of the British Psychological Society.

The programme was presented in detail at a scheduled Press Conference held in the Media Centre at Athens International Airport on Thursday 29 March 2018.

It all started with an open call for participation issued by the Onassis Foundation. The call brought together a group of children who, along with their therapists and parents, set about preparing themselves for air travel by means of an integrated desensitization programme. The programme will culminate on Monday 2 April, World Autism Awareness Day, with the children visiting Athens International Airport, along with their parents and therapists, for an air procedures simulation. The simulation will begin at the entrance to the Departure terminal and include all the stages involved in preparing to fly. The 30 or so participants will end up aboard an AEGEAN aeroplane where everyone—children, parents and therapists—will follow the prescribed procedures and safety instructions that precede take-off. The air procedures simulation gives children and teenagers with autism and their families an opportunity to familiarize and prepare themselves for the various procedures involved in air travel (the security and baggage check etc.) and with the multiple stimuli (from the electronic departure and arrivals boards to public announcements and airport signage). However, the April 2 simulation marks a beginning not an end as the innovative handbook we created for the programme will continue to provide parents and therapists of children with autism with a unique educational resource in the years to come.

The "Boarding Pass to Autism" programme also included the creation of an innovative educational handbook consisting of social stories (Gray, 1991) which could become an important tool in the hands of therapists and parents around Greece. The stories were created by the Onassis Foundation under the academic aegis of Athens University.

They are short predominantly visual stories which present specific scenarios to enable people with autism develop and improve their social understanding. They depict descriptions of a particular situation, event or activity, which include specific information about what to expect in that situation and why.

Using photographs and/or other visual information, Social Stories help improve the behaviour of children by making novel social situations more manageable and predictable. This in turn will enable them to confront challenging social situations and will reduce any potential anxiety and stress.Using photographs and/or other visual information, Social Stories help improve the behaviour of children by making novel social situations more manageable and predictable. This in turn will enable them to confront challenging social situations and will reduce any potential anxiety and stress.

The programme also included training for both Athens International Airport (via the various service providers) and AEGEAN staff in autism-related issues and the obstacles autism can create for children with ASD and their parents, particularly in the airport. A seminar was run on four occasions, allowing 200 members of staff whose positions put them in direct daily contact with travellers at "Eleftherios Venizelos" to receive special training. At the seminars, Ms Gena and her associates informed the staff about autism and its specific features. The participants were briefed on the signs that can help them recognize travellers with ASD, and received useful advice on how to identify and deal with ASD-related challenges in the future.

The final element of the '"Boarding pass to autism" educational programme is another innovation: the creation of an informational booklet for all travellers. The booklet, which you can find at Athens International Airport (AIA) and in electronic form on the official sites of both the Onassis Foundation and the AIA, provides information on autism and on the obstacles faced by children with ASD. It also provides information on the ways in which you yourself could help make air travel easier for autistic children both in the airport and aboard their flight. The initiative seeks to release the potential of these children while raising public awareness of ASD.

Celebrate Greek Easter this year at the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens! Here is what's on the menu for this major Greek holiday.

THE CONTEMPORARY CAFEZOE

*Unlimited consumption of buffet delicacies, refreshments, beers & house wine. Red Easter eggs & Easter sweet breads are offered.

On Easter Sunday, enjoy the traditional cooking of our lamb on a spit, while live music and songs elevate the mood.

Easter Sunday, April 8, 12:30 – 16:00 49,50€* / person

*Unlimited consumption of buffet delicacies & ouzo welcome drink. Red Easter eggs & Easter sweet breads are offered.

Enjoy cookies, Easter sweet breads and chocolate eggs at Café Vienna and as you leave, shop from us, delicious Easter gifts for you and your loved ones!

Traditional Cookies €10 / 750 gr

Chocolate Eggs €17 / item

Easter Sweet Breads €13 / item

Just recently, African dust coming from the Sahara covered much of southern Greece and Crete. With plenty of pictures to prove it, the environment looked more like it belonged on planet Mars with the entire city covered by a thick orange cloud of dust.

The Athens Observatory stated that it was one of the largest ever transfer of Sahara desert sand to Greece. 

In fact, the orange cloud of dust wasn't just seen in Athens, it was seen around the country. Dust storms are a regular occurrence in Greece, particularly around this time in the spring. Sand and dust storms are a natural meteorological phenomenon, although the Mediterranean region is seeing more of them thanks to global warming, land conversions, and agricultural practices that lead to desertification and drought.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Reporter

 

Photo Credit: Greek Reporter

Coinciding with a decade of museum operations, the excavation site at the Acropolis Museum is set to open to the public in the summer of 2019. The Museum Director, Dimitris Pantermalis, announced the opening recently to the Central Archaeological Council. 

The excavation site is located on the south side of the Acropolis, below the museum, and will be showcased through special lighting effects, informative signage, and digital applications. The site will also be accessible to anyone with disabilities, and admission is likely to be free due to the increase in ticket cost.

Visitors will have the chance to see ruins of an Ancient Athenian neighborhood along an ancient road, as well as homes, bathhouses, and workshops from 5th century BC.

To read this article in full, please visit: Greek Travel Pages

Discover how Athens hit the headlines with some exceptional recognitions and learn all about "Open House Athens 2018" , a unique event kicking off this weekend that invites the public to explore and understand the value of architecture. Also, if you are a native english speaker who loves the Mediterranean lifestyle see if you can get casted for "HGTV Mediterranean Lifestyle", a show similar to House Hunters

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the 23year- old NBA superstar who plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, recently shared his inspiring and compelling story on "60 Minutes."

One of the highlights of the segment was his story about his family growing up in poverty in Greece, and wanting to help his parents out, Giannis and his brother would sell items including glasses and watches, on the streets. According to Giannis, "he was the best salesman." 

Giannis was playing basketball in a gym in Greece when a grainy video of him playing went viral. After that, NBA scouts from everywhere began to check him out. Eventually, at 18 years old, he was drafted by the Bucks. Now know as the 'Greek Freak,' Giannis is one of the NBA's brightest stars.

This "60 Minutes" feature is a remarkable look into Antetokounmpo's story. Even for those who don't know him, they will be able to gain an appreciation for the player now known as the "Greek Freak."

To watch the full video, please visit: CBS News

On March 25th Greece celebrated it's Independence day. But, how much do you know about it? Read a brief outline of this historic day, the story behind the Greek national anthem and much more in this week's newsletter!

Remember to stay connected with us through our weekly newsletter, Facebook, and Twitter!

HGTV is currently casting for Mediterranean Life, a new HGTV show set on the Mediterranean coast of Europe.

Similar to House Hunters International, Mexico Life and Caribbean Life, Mediterranean Life will tell the stories of English native speaking families/couples/individuals who’ve started their new life in Mediterranean Europe and are renting or buying a property here.

 

The satellite television channel is looking for energetic people who are in love with the Mediterranean lifestyle and searching for a new home by the Mediterranean Sea. Ideally candidates will be native English speakers who have recently moved to Greece, and have already bought/rented their dream house/apartment with a seaview (if possible!). There is no limit in terms of the length of stay in Greece, but candidates should be fresh in their new place.

SNI’s lifestyle portfolio includes the popular television and internet brands DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively engage more than 190 million consumers each month.

The company’s global networks and websites reach millions of consumers across North and South America, Asia, Europe, Australia the Middle East and Africa. International operations include TVN, Poland’s premier multi-platform company; UKTV, an independent commercial joint venture with BBC Worldwide; Asian Food Channel, the first pan-regional TV food network in Asia; and lifestyle channel Fine Living Network.

Check Out The Trailor Here: https://www.hgtv.com/shows/mediterranean-life

 

 

The exhibition is curated by the art historian and assistant professor at the University of Athens Κonstantinos Vafiadis.

Dimitris Lazarou has the responsibility for the concept,organization and communication of the exhibition.

69 contemporary visual artists present art works of painting,sculpture and photography, inspired by the words of the Frenchpoet Paul Verlaine: "Art is to be absolutely yourself".

Paul Verlaine is characterized as a purely lyric poet who hasmarked a transition from romance to the symbolism movement,and is distinguished by the musical effect of his writing, throughthe use of several secrets of French procreation, such asappearances, assertions and imparisyllabic lyrics.

Art historian and Assistant Professor at the University of AthensKonstantinos Vafiadis in his text, titled "Commentary on PaulVerlaine's Exclusion: Art is to Be Absolutely Yourself"; notes: “Consequently the aphorism of the lyric poet Paul Verlaine (1844 –1896) “Art is to be absolutely yourself, seems to adopt a view ofthe same aspect. Nevertheless it reveals ambiguity as it refers totwo ancient notions, concerning Representation, absolutely notcompatible to each other.

According to the first notion Art is considered to be realized tomatter, reference to the Self as a materialistic projection to theexteriority of a nonvisible essence, and thus as a way out (exit)from the walls of an individual consciousness.In that case the artistic work constitutes a symbolic parallel to theself having a reference relationship, a point without objective butrelevant substance.

According to the second – more ancient – notion. Art is the Self inan absolute Sense. In that case the artistic work constitutes apresence, it doesn’t refer to the Self. It is the Self. Thus the artisticwork sheds the arbitrary character that is innate in the relationshipbetween phonetics and the meaning and at the same time itestablishes itself as objective.

Having all these in mind and within the frame of Paul Verlaine’ssymbolic thought the latter seems to support the second notion ofthe artistic representation as a testimony of the art work. Itproceeds even further by equating the art work with the self orrather by substituting and converting the self into the ultimatepiece of Art fully independent from the recent manipulatingcollectiveness.

In that sense the french poet seems to prepare the path that wasdestined to lead to the “Death of the Art” and later on to thepostmodern Situation, innate to the variations of Conceptual Art –not only to the manipulation of the artistic produce by the “Worldof Art” since the latter doesn’t do anything else but continuouslydirect the dominant World of power.”

Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 14:00 - 20:00Saturday: 11:00 - 15:00

*Due to the Easter holiday period the gallery will be closed from 5 th tillDue to the Easter holiday period the gallery will be closed from 5 th till11 th of April.