Mystery 137 Transition Towards Professional Solidarity

Mystery 137 Transition Towards Professional Solidarity is a five-day activity in the Old Oil Mill Factory in Elefsina, specifically designed for the place where the concepts of collective consciousness and action flourished during the development of the labour movement. Through workshops and meetings with local collectives in the city, Mystery 137 aims to bring the concept of professional solidarity to the present day, using culture as a means of social change.

Since the 1950s, the narrative and the approach to social change have changed. The dynamics of collective action have been strengthened and the decisive role of networks in the Greek socio-cultural ecosystem has been reinforced. In recent years, through modern methods of cooperation and communication and the use of technology, distances have been decreasing and the time for the development of collective action has been accelerating.

How can the future of collective initiatives by cultural professionals active in social and cultural innovation be shaped? What are the forms, practices and attitudes that enable young professionals to interconnect, exchange, inspire one another and make their work more sustainable and effective?

In the context of Mystery 137 Transition Towards Professional Solidarity, the first Greek network of social innovation professionals, titled Culture for Change, will present its hybrid model of development, share tools and practices, launch a dialogue on the pillars of intervention for common demands and, together with the citizens of Elefsina, explore the role of culture as a project with a social impact on local communities. The aim of this meeting is to broaden the participants’ horizons of exploration through mutual exchange and the transition to new, more participatory, collective and relevant forms of professional coalitions for the local community of Elefsina.

A few words about the Culture for Change network

Culture for Change (CforC) is the first Greek network that represents more than 75 professionals with different academic backgrounds and multiple skills from across the country, including – but not limited to – cultural managers, artists, lawyers, behavioural scientists, designers, architects, urban planners, environmentalists and other disciplines, who are connected by common views and practices regarding the development of social innovation, highlighting the positive impact of culture on society. A hybrid collective that supports and highlights the initiatives of its members, providing them with structures, practices, guidelines, continuing education opportunities, creative collaborations with other individuals, networks and organisations, making their work more sustainable and effective. The network’s ultimate goal is to strengthen the cultural sector and civil society both nationally and internationally. During the event, CforC’s Annual General Assembly will take place and its proceedings will be open to the public to observe its operation.

Topics for discussion

• Cooperation networks and their influence on the development of local ecosystems
• Alternative networking models
• Social impact through cultural activity

Workshop topics

• The theory of systemic change
• Skills for social change
• The complementary role of leadership
• Applied social impact practices