Greece – China Year of Cultural Exchange Kicks Off

Greek Culture Minister Lydia Koniordou signed two bilateral agreements with China’s assistant minister of State Administration of Press, Publication, Radio, Film and Television (SARFT) marking the occasion of the official launch of the Greece – China Year of Cultural Exchange, which took place at the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, last week, in the presence of China’s Assistant Culture Minister Yu Qun.

The two agreements pave the way for the coproduction of films and the translation and publication of contemporary literary works from both countries.

“Today we are pleased to announce the official launch of the Greece – China, China-Greece year… The two ancient civilizations are distinguished for their strong influence on the other cultures of the world. Our two cultures meet in the depth, the importance of their history, their impact over the centuries. Today, our two cultures meet in the present,” said Koniordou addressing the event.

“Despite the fact that Greece is a good way from China, and has a different historical and social development, we are proud of our very important cultures… both always linked, sharing mutual admiration,” said Qun.

Koniordou went on to inaugurate two shows to run in the next three weeks at the Byzantine Museum: “Chinese Stories” featuring daily items and an exhibit casting the spotlight on 24th Winter Olympics to be held in Beijing in 2022.

Among others, the Chinese have expressed interest in hosting “The Greeks: From Agamemnon to Alexander the Great”, the Antikythera Mechanism display and the “Vanity” jewelry collection.

Parallel events in literature, art, theater, music, film as well as research and technology in the fields of cultural heritage, restoration and preservation will take place in both countries within the framework of the Greece-China Year of Cultural Exchange. A main event is the exhibition of the Ancient Kore now on show at the Acropolis Museum which will travel to the Museum of Shanghai in autumn.