Seven Gallerists Talk about Athens Gallery Weekend 2014

On the occasion of the Gallery Weekend, organized for the 2nd successive year by the Association of Art Galleries (HAGA), in cooperation with the organizing team of Art-Athina and are participating,Galleries from Athens and Thessaloniki. We asked two questions some of the Galleries responsibles, and to the President of the Hellenic Art Galleries Association (Ms. Gianna Grammatopoulou), for the way they deal this event, which would be very important to evolve into an institution and be repeated 2-3 times a year.

By Efi Michalarou
Photo: Respective Galleries Archive

1. We know that the Gallery Weekend is an institution that works successfully for many years in several cities abroad. In Athens is organized for the second consecutive year. Do you think that in the middle of difficult political and economic conditions we are experiencing, this is an opportunity to give more emphasis on culture?

2. Gallery Weekend started at a time of intense cultural activity in our country. The mobility that is observed mainly in visual the field indicates that Greece is ready to join the World Artistic Map. Do you believe that is importand , the Gallery Weekend to be repeated 2-3 times a year, in order to be established in the consciousness of the public and the experts?

a.antonopoulou.art: Angeliki Antonopoulou

The crisis in Greece is primarily a matter of education and culture and less economical. So anything that raises the bar of culture pleases.

I do not agree with you that Greece is ready to join the international stage. Not because it has no remarkable artists, but because there is a complete lack of policy and planning. The repetition of the weekend are whispers in the ears of decision makers.

A-D Gallery: Sophia Thoma

I believe that success for the Gallery Weekend, shall be to mobilize an additional public besides those that already visit the galleries and in the long run, why not, and an international expert audience (curators and collectors), as now happens in their respective Gallery Weekends in Berlin and other cities abroad.

I believe that if Greece is “ready” to join the world map, it is not because of the mobility that exists in the Visual field and the “intense” cultural activity, but as the capital of the global crisis. What could be done, but under numerous conditions, is to exploit the attention Greece receives now, from abroad and to redirect it to the cultural and hence the visual arts. Regarding whether the Gallery Weekend should be repeated, I think there is no need. The establishment in the consciousness of the public and the specialists can be achieved by the successful and concerted organization once a year.

Bernier/Eliades Gallery: Marina Eliades

Of course, yes! The Gallery Weekend is a great institution. I hope to be continued. In those difficult situations we experience, the best for all of us is to interest and focus on culture. Art and artists are the only ones who can give a note of optimism in a country challenged by a strong economic crisis

I am sure that the success of Gallery Weekend is important for everyone.

ekfrasi-yianna grammatopoulou: Yianna Grammatopoulou

The Hellenic Art Galleries Association in the context of the constant effort to by any means promotion and dissemination of the Visual Arts, since 2013 organizes from 2013, in cooperation with the organizing team of Art-Athina, the Gallery Weekend, a artistic walk in Athens and Thessaloniki to the standards of the corresponding events of major European cities. The response of the Art Galleries was warm, encouraging our efforts to make this weekend a new cultural institution in the art scene Greece. The great success of Art-Athina the last two years indicates that in period of deep social, economic and cultural crisis The great success of the Art Athina-the last 2 years testifieds that in a period of deep social, economic and cultural crisis, demonstrates the people’s relationship with art. The Art cultivates desires and expectations, has the power to provide shelter, exaltation, redemption, recourse and treatment.

Studying the history of art, one can easily observe that in major periods of crisis is noted a remarkable cultural renaissance. The pioneering art movements always born in times of crisis. Art in our days is not truncated. In contrast, it blooms as a necessity. In this reason is attributed the mobility, we see these days in the artistic field. In this context was born the Gallery Weekend, with the goal to become a new institution in fine arts scene. This year, we hope in an even greater audience respond and we are convinced that the frequent repetition will definitely assist in order to establish in the conscience of the public.

Kalfayan Galleries:Sofia Aniparidou

In difficult times like today, all should support institutions like the Gallery Weekend that has been recognized as one of the most successful institutions in Europe, all should support it. In Athens showed, that can stand successfully and to develop into a successful institution that will give impetus to the cultural life of the city. Regarding Thessalonica, previous similar efforts organized by other entities, embraced enthusiastically by the art-loving audience.
There is not the repetition in the course of the year that will establish the Gallery Weekend in public consciousness, but the correct mode of operation and collaboration among all stakeholders for the dynamic promotion and continuous enrichment of the institution in order to join the international art map. Institutions such as the Gallery Weekend and Art Athina are able to bring the public closer to contemporary art and to strengthen the role of Greece as a visual destination. Kalfayan Galleries want to actively support the institution with their participation and contribute to the prevalence of Gallery Weekend.

Medusa Art Gallery: Maria Dimitriadis

I think out of generalities, it is a useful institution particular to familiarize the public with the current visual arts in our city.

The first observation indicates an optimistic and allow me to say, some turgidity. As for the repetition I would suggest, no more than twice a year so that the “event” not to lose its importance.

Zina Athanasiadou Gallery,Thessaloniki: Ζina Athanasiadou

Indeed, the institution of Gallery Weekend is operating successfully in many cities abroad. In Athens, last year embraced from the audience and I think the same will happen this year. People in difficult political and economic circumstances seek pressure valves. The visiting of cultural sites constitute a major outlet and pleasant temporary escape from the difficult everyday life, While educate with a pleasant way, the mind and the minds of visitors.

The fact is that, despite the social and financial difficulties that our country is going through at this time, the cultural activity is intense and remarkable. The institution of Gallery Weekend is important to get into the minds of art lovers, with more advertising and communication. The primary objective is to increase visitors

Info: Gallery Weekend 2014, Sat, 13/12/14: 11:00-18:00 & Sun, 14/12/14:11:00-15:00, www.art-athina.gr