The successful institution of the Ministry of Culture “All Greece is one culture”, which highlights and connects contemporary artistic creation with cultural heritage, returns this summer with a diverse program of activities and the central theme of the concept of “Conflict”, giving new life in archaeological sites, monuments and museums in every corner of Greece.

For two whole months, from July 1 to August 31, 2024, the public of the region will have the opportunity to enjoy a program consisting of 70 new productions-commissions of “All Greece is a culture” with a total budget of 2.5 million euros – which will be hosted in 68 archaeological sites, monuments and museums in 12 regions of Greece.

This year’s program was presented by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, and the Artistic Director of the National Opera, Giorgos Koumentakis, at today’s press conference held at the Alternative Stage of the Greek National Theater at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.

“I feel great joy and satisfaction that we are here today for the fifth edition of this program that we started timidly, but ambitiously, in the Spring of 2020, when in the midst of the pandemic we said that we could not have a summer without contemporary cultural creation. And of course the archaeological sites were the ideal place (as they were open and could by the measures of that time) host these events. After all, the osmosis of cultural heritage with modern creation was one of the goals we had already set from our program statements in 2019. So today, it is the fifth year that the archaeological sites and museum infrastructures will “come alive” differently from ‘ that in their daily life through the program “All Greece is one culture” and from the original creations that have been produced for this specific institutionsaid the Minister of Culture.

Giorgos Koumentakis spoke about the “program that became an institution” and emerged as one of “the most important cultural events of the country which was embraced by the public of the region and the artists”. As he said, this year the program covers a wide range of fields of artistic expression with a total of 140 events of music (25), theater (19), shows / activities for children and teenagers (9), dance (7), visual arts / performance (6) and musical theater (4) and aspires to offer an unforgettable experiential experience in ancient theaters, Byzantine museums, castles, fortresses, holy monasteries, churches, mosques, mansions and prehistoric settlements.

In addition, as Giorgos Koumentakis pointed out, the institution gives its cultural and social stamp to the region again this year, providing the possibility for artists and artistic groups to create works on the thematic axis of the Conflict. Also, like every year, employment conditions are created this year for a significant number of employees in Culture as well as local partners.

All Greece one civilization 2024: Clash

The organization of the events of the institution “All Greece is one culture” around a central thematic axis began in 2022 with the great tribute to the centenary of the Asia Minor Catastrophe and continued in the summer of 2023 with the theme of the climate crisis and its overwhelming consequences, not only in our lives, but also in the cultural stock, material and immaterial.

As noted by the Minister of Culture, Lina Mendoni, for the 2024 program, the Ministry of Culture invited artists and artistic groups to create new works on the concept of Conflict, which is articulated in four subthemes that run through the fields of politics, economics, culture and mental life: Internal conflict, Clash of cultures, Conflict of interests, Wartime conflict.

In particular, the participating artists who focused on the theme “Inner conflict” give voice to the dizzying depth where mental struggles take place, promoting with their proposals introspection and human communication through art.

In the theme “Clash of Cultures”, the artists delve into the complexity of cross-cultural interactions, the confluence of traditions, and the conflicts and solutions that arise when cultures intersect and influence each other.

In “Conflict of Interest” the participating artists explore the complexities of the decision-making process, the dynamics of power, and the moral and ethical dilemmas that can arise in various fields, including the economic and political.

Finally, the theme of Wartime Conflict provided artists with a heartbreaking canvas to explore the quintessentially human experiences of courage, sacrifice, loss and resilience.

In their works, the artists explore the deep and lasting impact of war conflicts, promoting understanding and empathy for the individuals and communities affected by war turmoil.

The proposals of the 2024 program were selected by the special committee of the Ministry of Culture, following an open call, through the Ministry of Culture’s online portal at drasis.culture.gr, and are oriented, in accordance with the philosophy of the institution, towards innovative and hybrid forms born from the dialectical juxtaposition of multiple art forms per event.

The productions were developed from proposals of original creation submitted by the artistic groups. The evaluation committee of the proposals, in cooperation with the competent services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, selected the archaeological presentation sites of the producers in a total of 12 regions of Greece.

Thirteen new archaeological sites, monuments and museums

Thirteen new sites join the already rich list of a total of 68 archaeological sites, monuments and museums that host the events of the 2024 program of events and activities of the “All Greece is one culture” institution. Among them, the mythical Palace of Nestor in Pylos, the restored Tavaniotis mansion in Maroneia, a representative example of the residential architecture of Western Thrace, the Holy Ursuline Monastery in Loutra of Tinos founded in 1862, the two-story renovated Konaki Prodromo in Karditsa, one of the most representative examples of the manor house of the plain of Western Thessaly, the prehistoric settlement of Myrina in Lemnos and the imposing Fortress Barracks in Sitia that dominates high above the city.

New identity

This year, the institution of the YPPO acquires a new identity, which was based on the use of symbols of classical culture.

The new logo of the institution is inspired by the ancient column, while its simple and modern design presents the column in a half shape, creating a link between the ancient heritage and the modern world with indirect references to Giannis Moralis.

With the assistance of the Recovery Fund, the institution also acquires its own modern website (www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr), which is compatible with all mobile devices. Users can easily navigate the website, find out about the full program of events and about each production separately, reserve seats for the shows, as well as find out about the archaeological sites that host the events.

All events are offered free of charge by the YPPO.

Reservations for the events from 1 to 14 July start today, Tuesday 25/6 through the institution’s new website: www.allofgreeceoneculture.gr