City – Cοntinuity – Culture

The 2023 Eleusis is organizing a series of discussions titled “City – Cοntinuity – Culture “ on February 9th, 16th, and 26th at the Old Town Hall of Eleusis and the Canteen art hub. Their aim is to create a public dialogue regarding the dynamic evolution of the city’s cultural life, activate local community groups in the fields of art and research, and explore the possibilities of utilizing the legacy created as part of Eleusis’ development as the European Capital of Culture.

Groups from the local community have already formed as independent nuclei and hubs for the production and management of culture in the city. Initiatives have emerged within the framework of the 2023 Eleusis, with its steadfast support and close collaboration, leveraging the structures and infrastructure established by the organization in Eleusis. Actions were shaped during the year of the ECC title, either strengthening existing forms or creating new formations – recognizing the needs and creative forces of the city – and looking forward to an even more dynamic continuation.

The City – Cοntinuity – Culture aims to promote culture as a key lever for active citizen participation and sustainable development in Eleusis. It includes themes such as the relationship between culture and cultural rights, inclusion and social cohesion, health and well-being, education, gender equality, urban planning, gastronomy, ecological and social transition, climate change, international cooperation, and more.

The action is taking place in anticipation of the self-assessment workshop, which will be presented in Eleusis on March 9th as part of the Pilot Cities program, an initiative of the European organization Culture Action Europe in collaboration with the Culture Committee of the international organization UCLG-United Cities and Local Governments. Detailed information will be announced soon.

A few words about the “Pilot Cities” program

Eleusis is the only Greek city and one of the 16 at the European level participating in the Pilot Cities program. It’s an international initiative that places culture as the fourth pillar of a city’s sustainable development, alongside the economy, the environment, and social inclusion. Through the unique conditions created in the city in recent years by the 2023 Eleusis initiative, Eleusis has led to a new model of sustainability that places art and culture at the center of all human activity, with residents becoming the driving force behind the entire participatory program.