Page 126 - ATHENS RIVIERA 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
K assandra Marinopoulou’s vision
In 2008, Kassandra
Marinopoulou became the
President of the Board of
Directors at the Museum of
Cycladic Art in Athens. The
museum is dedicated to the
study and promotion of ancient
civilizations of the Aegean
and Cyprus, with a particular
emphasis on Cycladic Art of the
3rd millennium BC.
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influence
RUNNING REBIRTH
gracefully connects Cycladic culture
with modern and contemporary
art through innovative exhibitions
and international collaborations.
As President and CEO of the
With her at its heart, the Museum
of Cycladic Art is gradually
revitalizing the islands’ ancient
heritage through contemporary
lenses, while celebrating timeless
institution located in the heart of
human creativity and compassion
as audiences big and small come together. Museum of Cycladic Art, a landmark
The Museum of Cycladic Art is dedicated to the Athens, Kassandra Marinopoulou
study and promotion of the ancient civilizations that
flourished in the Aegean, with a special emphasis on cultivates global artistic collaboration
Cycladic art of the 3rd millennium BC. After 16 years
at the helm, what challenges do you face as President
of its Board of Directors? and sustainability initiatives that
When leading an archaeological museum, your first concern
naturally is how to make it contemporary and approachable breathe new life into the cultural
for new audiences, especially the younger generation. This is
achieved through organizing archaeological exhibitions aimed legacy of the Cyclades.
at a wider audience, contemporary art exhibitions relevant to
today’s reality, and the development of innovative programs
for adults and children. Our goal is to keep improving our Interview by ELSA SOIMIRI
visitors’ experience, whether it is linked to our exhibitions,
the Cycladic Café, or our Cycladic Shop.
We aim for an open and accessible museum, providing equal
opportunities to all visitors in order to accommodate today’s Even in our days, with technology advancing at an impressive rate, how does ancient Greek art
world social challenges. Attracting an audience that is not manage to inspire and attract an increasingly large audience of creators and visitors alike?
familiar with museums is one of our greatest challenges and Ancient Greek art and technology aren’t opposing forces. On the contrary, they’re complementary. Let's think
responsibilities. about how technology benefits art in terms of promotion, awareness, and education: Today, even a child in
The next question, of course, is how to finance all of the the remotest village of the world can virtually visit our collections and exhibitions. It can participate in our
above while ensuring the sustainability of a private Museum international art contest, take a tour of the museum, and even listen to one of our podcasts. One can easily
whose collections have been donated to the Greek State but have an online shopping experience and receive purchases anywhere in the world.
receives no funding from it. This is the biggest challenge. You recently implemented the "Cycladic Identity" initiative in order to help preserve the culture,
Since the start of your tenure, you have established a biodiversity, and intangible cultural heritage of the Cycladic islands.
program of contemporary art exhibitions in dialogue We owe our existence as a museum to the Cyclades. It was there that the Cycladic culture was born, which we
with the museum's identity, strengthening its have been disseminating with great love since our museum was founded 36 years ago. At this time, when the
international reputation. What was your goal, and most pressing concern is climate change and the environment, we thought it was time to express our gratitude
how is your vision taking shape today? with actions that give back to the Cycladic islands.
Since 2008, when I became President of the museum, we came The objective of the Cycladic Identity initiative is to contribute to the preservation of the islands’ cultural and
up with the idea of an annual program of contemporary art natural heritage of unique value, which are in danger of being destroyed and forgotten due to conditions of
exhibitions in dialogue with antiquity through the pioneering the modern era, such as climate change, overtourism, and the weakening of traditional practices.
series "Divine Dialogues". This was a groundbreaking concept. Through Cycladic Identity, we seek to contribute to the preservation, restoration, and prominence of the
We invite world-acclaimed artists and curators to study and be elements that make up the identity of the Cyclades. As we prioritize culture, biodiversity, and intangible
inspired by our collections, creating a conversation between cultural heritage, we shine a light on the islands' array of monuments, focus on habitats and their distinctive
Greek antiquities and creations of our time. flora and fauna, and embrace customs, social rituals, traditions, and crafts.
Our museum has hosted exhibitions by artists, such as Louise The initiative serves as a platform for collecting donations and sponsorships for the above mission. The resources
Bourgeois, George Condo, Jannis Kounellis, Sarah Lucas, gathered are then distributed to programs implemented by foundations in the Cyclades. The funding proposals
Brice Marden, Pablo Picasso, Ugo Rondinone, Thomas are evaluated by the Scientific Committee of the Cycladic Identity, which consists of Dimitris Athanasoulis,
Struth, Cy Twombly, Sterling Ruby, Ai Weiwei, and currently Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, archaeologist Michael Boyd, Demetres Karavellas, General
Cindy Sherman. We immediately noticed new audiences Director of WWF Greece, and Angeliki Kosmopoulou, Executive Director of the Athanasios C. Laskaridis
visiting these exhibitions, and in this way, they discovered Charitable Foundation. Due to their professional status, they all have a deep knowledge and understanding
our permanent archaeological collections. of the unique characteristics of the Cyclades. >
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