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Friday, 10 April 2020 13:16

Technopolis Goes Digital!

In these unprecedented times, Technopolis, a major cultural venue of the City of Athens, becomes accessible online in Greek, providing fun online activities that everyone is welcome to participate in! 

Explore the old Athens gasworks through a fascinating virtual tour, discover the digital archive of the Industrial Gas Museum, learn more about the historical exhibition 160 years made in Greece, and watch highlights of your favorite concerts - all from the comfort of your own home!




Tour of the Industrial Gas Museum: The gasworks, which provided the city of Athens with energy and lighting for 130 years, a unique historical site of great industrial heritage invites us to discover it through this online tour. You are promised a fascinating time travel experience as you follow the gas production line, admire the mechanical equipment and learn about the workers’ role in the old plant.

VR Tour of 160 years made in Greece: A trip to 160 years of Greek Industry: from the very beginning, the glorious moments and the hidden aspects to de-industrialization, its present and most importantly its future. 3 decisions, 8 sectors of the Greek industry, 120 industries, and more than 800 items. The Industrial Gas Museum provides us with the opportunity to gain insight into Greece's industrial history, read original historical texts, study rare documents and photographs, as well as interact with the exhibits!

Digital Collection of the Museum: Explore the rich collection of the Industrial Gas Museum which includes a significant number of relevant to gas production devices, tools, machinery, and equipment (gas meters, cookers, water heaters, lights, etc.), as well as factory items and a plethora of audiovisual material.
 
Wednesday, 19 February 2020 00:57

1896 Classic Marathon Race Revival V

Greece’s premier track bike race, in memoriam and appreciation of the epic brakeless race to Marathon that took place on 1896 at the first Modern Olympic Games of Athens.

2020 marks its 5th edition and the race will take place on the coastal road connecting Acropolis to its most iconic peninsula at Cape Sounio.

Race Details:

- long-distance race
- total distance approx 75klm
- first 15klm (controlled pace)
- race distance 60klm (between km 15 and 75)
- fixed gear only
- helmets obligatory
- front brake allowed

Registration: 20 euros (including race pack)
Register through info@48x17.com
Race starts at 48x17 Cycles, Veikou 2, Acropolis.
Ends at Cape Sounio.
There will be an after-party at a private villa by the beach.
There will be a bus that can take racers and their bike back to Athens.


Historical Background:

At the first Modern Olympic Games the sport of cycling was introduced. There were several track cycling events held at the Phaliron Velodrome (Stadio Karaiskaki) and one road cycling event. At that time the “bicycle” was quite a novice idea people were not familiar with. Gears, brakes and deralleurs were not yet invented and all bicycles were fixed gear and brakeless.

The only road race of the Games took place on April 12. It was 87 kilometres long, with contestants cycling to the village of Marathon and back. Five Greeks registered for the race, one of them Aristides Konstantinides, and a few foreign cyclists including the German August von Gödrich and the Briton Edward Battel. Konstantinidis was one of the first bicycle enthusiasts in the country and a member of the first Greek cycling club.

He won the road race, covering the 87 kilometres from Athens to Marathon and back in a time of 3:22:31 despite his bicycle breaking down on the way back to Athens. Legend has it that he borrowed a bicycle from a spectator to finish the race.

Konstantinidis led from the start until his first fall that allowed Battel to briefly pass in front of him. Both Konstantinidis and Battel fell again before finishing, with Battel’s fall being severe enough to drop him from first place to third as both Konstantinidis and Gödrich passed him. Konstantinides entered the city battered and bleeding but trioumphant giving Greece one of its most glorified gold medals as groups of bystanders cheered him on his way to the finish line.
Thursday, 09 April 2020 22:21

Sundays At Technopolis - Athens For All

Sundays At Technopolis return for the 7th consecutive year, offering children (aged 4 to 11) and their families the chance to take part in a wide range of free activities, which, this time, are made available online! 

Since 2013, more than 15,000 children have taken part in the educational programs and activities held under Sundays At Technopolis, including scientific workshops, theatrical performances, music and movement courses, interactive tours and programs recommended by the Industrial Gas Museum. Most activities will be available in Greek only, however, some of them will also be available in English and Czech. 

Sunday, April 12,  is dedicated to the city of Athens for two important reasons: The Industrial Gas Museum wishes to celebrate the International Day For Monuments and Sites, but also to commemorate the innovative educational program entitled The Kids, the City and the Monuments, an initiative of the City of Athens which this year celebrates its 4th anniversary. The purpose of the program has been to promote the development of skills in children, by providing children and educators with multifaceted stimuli and training systems, concentrating on Athens's architectural legacy. 

More particularly, The International Day for Monuments and Sites, also known as World Heritage Day, is an international observance held on April 18  each year around the world, with different types of activities, including visits to monuments and heritage sites, conferences, round tables, and newspaper articles. It aims to bring global attention to the need to conserve monuments and sites and to celebrate the diversity of our cultural heritage. 

Through incredible online activities, parents and children can discover the city of Athens in the most enjoyable way, as well as its landmarks and neighborhoods, and of course, they will learn more about Technopolis - today housed in the old Gasworks in Athens and a major monument of industrial heritage. The activities will become available online on Sunday, April 12 at 11:00
 
Color Athens (Ages 4+):  Have you ever thought of exploring Athens through coloring? Visit Acropolis, walk through the historic centre, discover the National Garden and give them life by using colors and your imagination! 

The City Through Your Window (Ages 6+): What's the view out your window? How does your neighborhood look like? You can either take a picture or get creative and begin drawing everything you see when you look outside. 

Bauhaus in house (Ages 8+): Do you know anything about the Bauhaus movement? Has the Bauhaus architecture survived in Athens? Get acquainted with one of the most important design movements in history and draw an imaginary city where the basic principles of Bauhaus apply

A City In The Dark (Ages 6+): Do you like mysteries? This award-winning theatrical play follows a detective as he tries to solve a puzzling mystery. Why deep darkness has covered the city? Can you handle the truth? 

Virtual Tour of the Museum (Ages 9+): Explore the Industrial Gas Museum of Athens and learn more about the factory that provided energy and lighting to the capital for about 130 years.  Follow the production line of the lighting gas, admire the old machinery, discover the role of entrepreneurs and that of factory workers, learn about the working conditions and become familiar with concepts such as industrial heritage and archaeology.

Other Suggested Activities

Video Games: 
Through two fascinating video games follow the gas production line, from coal loading to gas measurement, and its technological advances, get in touch with the old machinery and admire the historical treasures of the gas world.

Creative Games: 
Once you've virtually explored the museum it's time to test your knowledge. The museum offers a series of educational and creative games such as crosswords and puzzles that will help you remember everything you learned. 

DIY Art Lab: Using simple supplies, nurture your creative spirits with these fun crafts and let your vivid imagination show you how the old Athens gasworks once looked like!

Andy Warhol on your doorstep: Get acquainted with the visual art movement known as Pop Art, its leading figure Andy Warhol and its Factory, through incredible art games! 

For more information please click here.

Translated by Codico Lab
Sunday, 23 February 2020 15:21

Run To Refuge 2020

Cerebral Palsy Sufferer to Run A Marathon A Day for 90 Days to fight human trafficking.

This May, NHS Psychologist, Tom Crossland is taking on an incredible 2,000-mile run, from Greece to London, to raise awareness of the needs of survivors of trafficking. The goal is to raise £50,000 for the TRIBE Freedom Foundation, a charity inspired by a 1,000-mile run to set up the first UK home for trafficked children.

Tom Crossland was born with cerebral palsy. He was not able to walk until he was over 3 years old and as he grew up, he found it difficult to maintain his balance and stay on his feet. Running never came naturally to him. It's only through hard work, determination, persistence, and meticulous planning that he can go to a place in his body and mind that gives him the strength and endurance to go on.

‘I fell over all the time… I had a permanent hole in the left knee of my trousers and a permanent graze on my left hip. This never stopped me from being active, however, and taught me that success is not measured by how many times you fall over but by how many times you get up.’ said Tom.

Setting off from Athens on 1 May 2020, Tom will run the equivalent of 90 marathons in 90 days, supported by a small number of friends, family, and members of the TRIBE community.

All funds raised by Tom will be going to TRIBE Freedom Foundation, a UK charity that works to fight modern slavery across the UK, by raising awareness, providing funding and support for frontline projects to fight modern slavery and working on projects to equip survivors with the long-term services to overcome their previous exploitation.

Talking about the reasons why Tom wants to support trafficking survivors, he said: ‘Through my work and adventuring, I have developed deep gratitude for the being born in the UK and the freedoms this allows. I am passionate about fighting for human rights. Over the past few years, there have been large numbers of people entering Europe in search of asylum, freedom, and safety. The reality is, that in their desperation, people will use their life savings to pay human traffickers to help them reach mainland Europe and the UK.

His journey is one of overcoming obstacles, pushing your body and mind to its limits and then further, practicing self-care and being mindful, focused and being in the moment.

Talking about the challenge, Tom said, ‘These people, who have escaped war or persecution, are then sometimes forced into slavery or indentured servitude. This robs them of one of the most important and fundamental human rights; to be born free and to live with liberty and security of person. This is why I am going to run from Greece to London between May and August 2020. I hope by following the journey across Europe that refugees and trafficked people make, I can raise public awareness of these issues and help The TRIBE Freedom Foundation end modern slavery.’



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of Run To Refuge 2020



About TRIBE Freedom Foundation

Modern Slavery is a shocking crime that is sadly taking place all around us, hidden in plain sight. In 2018, almost 7,000 potential victims of modern slavery were identified in the UK alone, and that number is growing every year. In fact, the true number of victims in the UK is likely to be much, much higher. In 2018, the Global Slavery Index estimated that there could be as many as 136,000 modern slaves just in the UK. Globally, there are 40.3 million people living in modern slavery.

TRIBE Freedom Foundation is the charity inspired by a 1,000-mile run to set up the first home for trafficked children in the UK. Today, we work to fight modern slavery across the UK, by raising awareness, providing funding and support for frontline projects to fight modern slavery and working on projects to equip survivors with the long-term services to overcome their previous exploitation. We empower communities to create an impact.

Vulnerable victims are forced into sexual exploitation, forced labor or domestic servitude. Criminals today use violence, intimidation, and coercion to control their victims rather than keeping them locked up in chains. Some victims are trafficked from abroad, sold the dream of a better life – but in reality becoming subject to cruel abuse. Others are recruited from the streets of Britain, forced into criminal exploitation. Today, the largest cohort of modern slaves in the UK are British nationals. This needs to stop.

Learn more at tribefreedomfoundation.com and @tribefreedomfoundation on Instagram / Facebook

Monday, 10 May 2021 13:11

FokiaNou Art Space - Good Old Days

After seven months of lockdown, FokiaNou Art Space is pleased to present a group exhibition of artists focusing on the idea of past times, i.e. pre-Covid, pre-crisis, when we all had different things on our minds. The show is a diverse kaleidoscope of works, including painting, drawing, collage, photography, video and sculpture, which while looking back, also speaks for today’s state of mind and looks forward to better times as well.

Participating artists: Lina Bebi, Sebastian Boulter, John Bicknell, Mary Cox, Irini Diadou, Sarah Ettlinger, Panagiotis Ferentinos, Christos Giannopoulos, Andromachi Giannopoulou, Chris Hawtin, Marietta Kallona, Vassiliki Kanellou, Alexandros Mavrogiannis, Foteini Poulia, Caroline Pradal, Marina Rovithi, Evi Stamou, Iliana Theodoropoulou, Panagiotis Voulgaris, Alexandros Zoulias.

Curated by Mary Cox and Panagiotis Voulgaris.

The use of masks and social distancing are required in all areas of the space, including the roof terrace, halls and elevator.
Do you have a great idea but you need help translating it into a successful business? Have you already created a business plan and want to expand it abroad? We present to you, Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs – an opportunity to connect with experienced entrepreneurs from all over the world. 

On Wednesday May 27 at 15:00 you are invited to attend the Info Day of Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program, which will be available in Greek, in order to learn more about the program and get information on how you can participate. During the event, you will be able to get acquainted with the Academy of Entrepreneurship and the current educational and research projects in which it is involved, which aim at enhancing the entrepreneurship competences of youths and socially vulnerable groups, as well as to expand your professional network. 

About The Program 

Εrasmus for Young Entrepreneurs is a promising program aiming at equipping aspiring, new or social entrepreneurs with expertise, knowledge, and skills in order to develop their business model. It offers the opportunity for participants to communicate, exchange, and share business ideas with experienced peers, and learn to live, work, and collaborate with people in the environment of a foreign country. The program also addresses existing companies in Greece which are provided with the opportunity to collaborate with foreign entrepreneurs, gain important knowledge that can substantially contribute to the development of their activities, and expand their established business.

To register please click here







Thursday, 21 May 2020 20:00

SNF Dialogues Webcast: Art on Lockdown


The SNF DIALOGUES discusses the impact of COVID-19 on Arts & Culture


Since the initiation of lockdowns as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, art has served as a way out and an outlet of expression for people confined indoors. From theatrical and musical performances, films, museums, and books made freely accessible from home to individual artistic endeavors, art in all its forms has been critical to sustaining our well-being as human beings.

On Wednesday, May 27 at 18:30 (GMT+3), the SNF DIALOGUES will hold its fourth live webcast, “Art on Lockdown,” to discuss the deep new challenges arts and culture professionals face as a result of the pandemic. Through an open conversation with these professionals and the audience, SNF DIALOGUES will explore the impacts of the pandemic, what comes next, and our collective responsibility to ensure that art and culture do not succumb to lockdown.

Participants in the DIALOGUES webcast on “Art on Lockdown”:

-Foivos Delivorias, Singer-Songwriter, Chairman of the Board at EDEM
-Prodromos Tsinikoris, Director, Dramaturge

Katerina Evangelatos, Artistic Director of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival
Linda Kapetanea, Artistic Director of Kalamata Dance Festival 
Nikos Kolovos, Artistic Director of National Theatre of Northern Greece
Dimitris Lignadis, Artistic Director of the National Theatre of Greece
Thomas Machairas, Artistic Director of Release Festival
Giannis Paltoglou, Artistic Director of Ejekt Festival
Mily Paschali, Artistic Director at SNF
Anna Fonsou, President of the “Actor House,” will contribute video messages that will be streamed during the discussion.

The DIALOGUES are curated and moderated by Anna-Kynthia Bousdoukou.

About SNF Dialogues

Through its monthly series of events, entitled SNF DIALOGUES, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation presents individuals and representatives of civil society who inspire others through their work, actions and vision, coming from different fields, backgrounds, and countries.

SNF DIALOGUES delve into different themes that cut across the key pillars of the Foundation’s work: Arts and Culture, Education, Health and Sports, and Social Welfare.

Through this series of events, which are free and open to the public, the SNF seeks to catalyze conversations around critical issues, create a platform for the exchange of ideas, present individuals who inspire a new way of thinking, and encourage collaboration among individuals and organizations across the globe.


Register online here: dialogues@SNF.org



 

Are you interested in youth exchange programs? Do you want to know more about exciting opportunities to meet and collaborate with peers from other countries in the EU?

Join the webinar ‘European Youth Mobilities explained: Get memorable experiences abroad’ on 28th May, 16.00-17.00, to learn more about Youth Mobilities, financed by Erasmus+ program.

The options are many – for choosing the right one, it depends on your areas of interest!

In the webinar, you will get information about:
  • Topics/thematic areas of Youth Exchanges
  • Typical activities in youth mobilities and learning outcomes
  • What are the expenses covered for you to participate in the mobility
  • Application process: How to write an engaging motivation letter
  • Where to spot youth exchange opportunities
  • How COVID-19 pandemic affects youth mobilities
Mobility projects for young people offer many opportunities to acquire competences and grow as an individual, through non-formal learning. Learn how to prepare yourself and get ready to participate in the near future!

Participation is free of charge. 


To register please click here


Monday, 24 February 2020 14:16

Athens Negotiations Tournament

The Panhellenic Students Competition of Negotiations Athens Negotiations Tournament returns for the second year running. On the 30th and 31st of May 2020, students of Greek and Cypriot universities will take part in real-time negotiations.

This competition has been organized by the Department of Business Administration of Athens University of Economics, with scientific director dr. Ilias Kapoutsis.

In this competition, 18 teams are taking part, consisting of three students each undergraduate and postgraduate students from Greece and Cyprus and supported by 40 volunteers.

The purpose of this competition is to get together students from Greece and around the world for the resolution of various issues and to enhance the skill of negotiation which is a prerequisite for the adaptation and prosperity in the 4th industrial revolution.

During the two-day simulations, the participants will have the opportunity to exhibit their negotiation skills and to gain valuable experience.

The winners of ANT2019 will represent our country at the Warsaw Negotiation Round 2020 International Negotiation Competition. The knowledge and the experience that the competitors will gain from this event, will be beneficial for them and our country.

The interested teams to participate in this competition, they can apply through the Greek website: www.ant.aueb.gr, from 10 to 28 of February. The final selection will be based on the studies that the applicants have concluded, the possible working of voluntary experience, any awards, the geographical origin of the team, and the accompanying video explaining the reasons why they believe that they should are selected to participate.



XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the Athens Negotiations Tournament


 



Saturday, 13 June 2020 19:54

Athens & Epidaurus Festival 2020

With a history that spans more than sixty years, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival combines an impressive line-up of music, theatre, and dance performances. This summer, following these last few challenging months, in which we were confronted with an unprecedented situation, Artistic Director Katerina Evangelatos and the artists featured in this year’s Festival will present us with a revised program, adjusted to the new reality, bearing the subtitle “Fragment”.

This year we will enjoy, among others, a production of The Persians by Aeschylus, the oldest extant ancient drama, which will be held at the ancient Theatre of Epidaurus in July. The Greek National Opera will also present two opera galas at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, featuring internationally-acclaimed soloists and opera stars such as Riccardo Massi, Dimitri Platanias, Celia Costea, Giorgio Berrugi and many more. Last but not least, this year's festival features a tribute concert dedicated to Thanos Mikroutsikos, a major composer who defined the Greek music scene and revolutionized the musical landscape of the country. 


Please Click Here To View The Athens & Epidaurus Festival Program

About The Festival 

The Athens & Epidaurus Festival is the foremost public cultural organization in Greece and one of the oldest active festivals in Europe. Spanning 65 years, the Festival has welcomed some of the greatest music, dance, and theatre artists of the international and local scene, attracting large audiences from around the world.

Up to the year 2005, the Festival was held exclusively at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. In the summer of 2006, five brand-new theatre stages were launched at the Peiraios 260 industrial venue which has since emerged as a major springboard for contemporary art. Furthermore, artistic productions and site-specific performances are presented in other venues all over the Attica region, under the banner of the Festival.

Nowadays, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus focuses on music, with special emphasis on celebrated orchestras and famous soloists, while the Peiraios 260 venue highlights the latest trends in theatre and dance, inviting internationally acclaimed, avant-garde creative teams, and commissioning new works by talented Greek artists.

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus features primarily ancient tragedies and comedies by established Greek and international directors. Meanwhile, the Little Theatre of Ancient Epidaurus, whose reins were gradually handed over to the Athens & Epidaurus Festival by the Friends of Music Society in the early 2000s, focuses on experimental music and musical/theatrical performances.

Under its current Artistic Director Katerina Evangelatos, the Athens & Epidaurus Festival aims to expand its international scope through co-productions with world-renowned theatre and dance companies, as well as showcasing Greek artists, supporting artistic research in the area of performing arts, and connecting research with audience development.


XpatAthens is proud to be a Media Sponsor of the Athens & Epidaurus Festival


 

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