Greece Looking to Boost Promotion of Cycladic Culture Abroad

Museum of Cycladic Art President Kassandra Marinopoulou and Culture Minister Lina Mendoni. Photo source: Culture Ministry

The Greek Culture Ministry and the Museum of Cycladic Art have partnered to enhance the promotion of Cycladic culture internationally.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between the ministry, the Cyclades Ephorate of Antiquities, and the Museum of Cycladic Art to develop multi-level synergies aimed at rescuing and protecting the masterpieces of Cycladic culture.

According to Culture Minister Lina Mendoni, the memorandum opens up excellent prospects and new avenues for promoting not only the museum’s treasures but also Greece’s cultural heritage in general.

The memorandum sees the ministry and the museum carrying out various joint actions including:

– Collaborations in organizing periodic exhibitions, with the possibility of participation and contributions from third-party museums, both Greek and foreign.

– Collaborative research projects on the cultural heritage of the Cyclades.

– Educational activities, such as educational programs, summer schools, seminars, and others.

Cycladic artefacts. Photo source: Museum of Cycladic Art.

– Collaborations in organizing conferences, lectures, and scientific meetings.

– Production of scientific publications and brochures for the public.

– Development of digital applications for viewing monuments and museums.

– Establishment of specialized synergies for Cycladic culture, including the construction of a corpus of Cycladic artifacts in a single digital database. The data collected by the Ephorate and the museum will belong to the ministry.

– Scientific cooperation in research and exchange of knowledge.

– Collaboration to raise public awareness for the protection of both the material and immaterial aspects of Cycladic culture, and to promote related actions.

– Seeking resources from the private sector through sponsorships, donations, and European programs.

– Collaborations with third parties, both Greek and international institutional bodies, as well as local authorities in the Cyclades, to promote local heritage.

Photo source: Museum of Cycladic Art.

“The partnership with the ministry and the Ephorate of Antiquities opens up huge prospects, both for researching and studying Cycladic culture, and for preserving and promoting the tangible and intangible culture of the Cyclades, which is a top priority for us through the ‘Cycladic Identity’ Initiative,” said Museum of Cycladic Art President and Managing Director Kassandra Marinopoulou.

Launched in 2023, the “Cycladic Identity” initiative focuses on protecting Cycladic Island culture, biodiversity, and intangible cultural heritage.

The memorandum has a duration of 48 months and will be extended with a new agreement.