“Eleusis 2021 European Capital of Culture” is moving forward and accelerating the implementation of its programme, so the preparation of this important event may be completed in the best possible way. Indeed, the recent evaluation of the European Committee explicitly reflects the progress that has been achieved.
The primary goals for 2018, as well as for the ramp years to 2021, are the further reinforcement of human resources of “Eleusis 2021” and the solution of technical issues that cause delays and dysfunctions. Our main aim, however, is the completion of infrastructure at city level and the connection of the European Capital of Culture to the overall programme for the upgrading of Western Attica.
Behind all this is the vision for the organization of the European Capital of Culture in Eleusis 2021 becoming an opportunity for our city, of becoming a new model of economic growth, a different concept on culture, closely connected to society and daily life. A vision that it may leave an imprint that will transcend the time limits of event organization and will constitute a valuable legacy for city and country. Within this framework and in compliance to the recommendations of the European Commission, the Municipality has proceeded with empowering the Board of Directors of “Eleusis 2021” through the appointment of five new members.
Our new members possess the required knowledge and experience to contribute to the implementation of the “Eleusis 2021” programme and to make the connection between organizers and local community, but also to the region and country, Europe and the world. They are called upon to take on a strategic role that will guarantee the successful implementation of the bid-book in terms of good governance, transparency and social accountability.
The Mayor of Eleusis, Mr. Giorgos Tsoukalas stated accordingly: “I step down from the Board of Directors, leaving the position of Chairperson in the hands of an experienced scholar, Ms. Sofia Avgerinou-Kolonia, who, I am certain, will support the priorities concerning not only the successful implementation of the programme of ECC, but also, in particular, the progress of the city’s preparation, in close cooperation with the Municipality. I wish you all, old and new members alike, every success in your undertaking, and we shall be standing beside you, so we may all together achieve our shared vision for this city.”
The Deputy Minister of Culture and Sport, Mr. Kostas Stratis, added: “I am greatly honoured that my responsibilities include the coordination of the organization of the European Capital of Culture for 2021. The organization of 2021 should leave the city with an important legacy; it should become a turning point for transition to a new economic and social model, so that young people may remain in the region, and that it may be transformed into a point of attraction for artists and cultural professionals. The Ministry of Culture shall always stand by the side of the Municipality and “Eleusis 2021”, so that we may jointly meet this challenge, providing solutions to any issues that might arise. At the same time, we wish and call for the active participation of all citizens and a fruitful open debate in our course for fruitful attainment of this goal.”
Eleusis 2021, the Municipality, and the Ministry of Culture and Sports will regularly consult with the local community and will provide updates on the progress of implementation of the European Capital of Culture.
Curricula Vitae of the Board of Directors of Eleusis 2021 European Capital of Culture
Sofia Avgerinou-Kolonia, Chairperson
Sofia Avgerinou-Kolonia is an Architect, having graduated from the National Technical University of Athens (N.T.U.A.) (1973). She holds a diploma from the Institute of Regional Development of Panteion University (1980) and of D.E.A. a l’ Histoire et Civilisation (Etudes Urbaines) of the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales-Paris. (EHESS, 1981). She also holds the Doctorat (Nouveau Régime) of ΕΗΕSS in the field of Urban Geography (1986). For her studies in France, she received the Onassis Foundation scholarship.
As a freelance researcher, she has worked on urban planning and developmental projects in the public sector.
From 1982 to the present, she has worked in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning of the Department of Architecture at the N.T.U.A. She has recently retired from the position of Head of the Laboratory for Spatial Planning and Urban Development, while she has also held the position of Head of the Sector of Urban and Regional planning of the School of Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens for the years 2004-2007, 2010-2013, 2014-2017. Within this framework, she has directed 30 research programmes, studying the alternative proposal for the contribution of culture to developmental spatial planning and particularly of creativity and urban tourism as additional possibilities, within the framework of urban planning for the development, improvement of functionality, management, and administration of cities and small settlements.
Her teaching and research interests range in the field of Urban and Regional Planning. More specifically, she deals with issues of analysis and developmental planning of historical centres, historical cities and settlements, as well as with research and recording of the processes of changing rural and urban areas, particularly areas in crisis: sensitive urban and rural area, areas with limited resources, that are seeking new, alternative directions for development in today’s swiftly changing reality.
Her recent research activity, of which she was in charge, included the research programme “ENPICBCMED_CROSS_BORDER COOPERATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN: MEDNETA – Mediterranean cultural network to promote creativity in the arts, crafts and design for communities regeneration in historical cities” (2014-2016), as well as “SUPrEME – Supporting maritime spatial Planning in the Eastern Mediterranean” (2016-2018), a research programme in progress, within the framework of the «EASME/EMFF/2015/1.2.1.3» programme.
In particular, she has contributed to the organization of the scientific work and to the field of World Cultural Heritage as an elected member , for three consecutive terms (2008, 2011, 2014), of the International Executive Committee of the UNESCO International Council of Monuments and Sites on International Cultural Heritage (ICOMOS).
In her capacity as President of the International Scientific Committee of Historical Cities and Towns (CIVVIH-ICOMOS), she introduced the “Principles of Valetta for the Safeguarding and Management of Historic Cities, Towns and Urban Areas” adopted in 2011 by the ICOMOS 17th General Assembly in Paris.
She is a founding member and has been President of the Society of Friends of the Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens, from 2002 to the present, and President of SEPOX (Association of Greek Urban and Spatial Planners).
She is also a member of the National Committee of the Hellenic Section of UNESCO.
Petros Sfikakis, Vice-President
Petros Sfikakis was born in Athens in 1963. He is a graduate of the Law School of the Democritus University of Thrace (1987). He is currently managing partner of “Sfikakis and Partners Law Firm”, which specializes in providing consulting services in court on issues of commercial law, and in particular business law, public procurement and administrative law. He has served as Secretary-general of the Ministry of Education on New Generation issues (1996-2000) and as a member of Inter-ministerial Committees on Youth and Greece-E.U. relations. He has been a member of the Athens Bar Association since 1989, as well as of the Association of Greek Commercialists, the International Trademark Association (INTA), the European Corporate Governance Institute (ECG) and the European Business Ethics Network.
Maria Philippi, CEO
Μaria Philippi started her career twenty-two years ago as Communication & Media specialist, while studying Business Administration, for which she also obtained her Master’s Degree with a specialization in tourism. Her innovative mindset and approach to issues of strategy, combined with her passion and in-depth knowledge of communication, culture & education, led her to further studies in these fields, specializing in ICT in Education, Communication and Culture through a relevant interdisciplinary, interdepartmental postgraduate course. Her experience of over 14 years in the sectors of Strategy & Communication Departments in large industrial groups offered her the opportunity to develop sustainable development projects for regions and local communities as part of these companies’ Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy. Maria continues with her research in the field of hybrid spaces and the connection of technology, culture and economic growth at the University of Athens – Research Institute of Applied Communication. She founded the innovative www.ecoktima.com in 2011, which is the first hybrid space for augmented learning and experience, and she is currently fully dedicated to her role as CEO with the aim of implementing the vision of Eleusis 2021.
Theodoros Karantinos, Secretary of the Board of Directors
Theodoros Karantinos was born on 12 April 1954 in Alexandria, Egypt, and hails from the island of Chalki in the Greek Dodecanese. He studied Economics at the Department of Economics in the Faculty of Law of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. He has attended the two–year postgraduate course at the Computer Analytics Department of the Greek Productivity Centre (ELKEPA). He has worked in Libya, more specifically for EDOK – ETER S.A., as Human Resources Director and Public Relations Manager. Since 1986, he has been working for CHROTEX S.A. paint industry, initially as Supplies Manager, then as Development Director, while retaining the supplies sector and, from June 2009 to June 2013, he has served as Plant Director in Volos; since 2001 he has been a member of the Company’s Board of Directors. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Eleusis Business Park S.A. and holds the position of the Chairperson of the Company Board of Directors. He is a founding member of the Association of Greek Chemical Industries and participates as Vice – President of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Attica and Piraeus Industries. He has significant experience in issues related to industry, as well as in negotiations and contact with European bodies (CEFIC, Chemical Federations, E.U. institutions, etc.) and with Greek competent authorities (Ministries, General Chemical State Laboratory, Customs, etc.). He also has considerable experience in Human Resources Management and construction development projects. He is married and father of one son.
Ares Kalandides, Member of the B.o.D
Ares Kalandides is Professor of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University and Managing Director at Inpolis Urbanism GmbH in Berlin, a consulting company for regional development programmes, with a focus on cultural and creative economy. He is Director at the Institute of Place Management, an educational partnership between university and local authorities. His postgraduate studies were in Urban and Regional Planning and he holds a Doctoral Degree from the National Technical University of Athens. He is a member of the editorial team of the Journal of Place Management and Development and of the Greek journal GEOGRAFIES (Geographies). He has worked in cities and regions of Europe, South American, Africa and Australia.
Thanassis Milisis, Member of the B.o.D.
Thanassis Milisis studied economics and marketing, and, at the same time, cinema and television at the Directors’ Department of Stavrakos College. Since the mid 1980s, he has been working systematically for theatre, television (at the Music Department of the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation – ERT), radio (ERT-1 programme for the broadcast “Texts and their creators”) and the cinema. He participates in numerous productions of the Greek Film Centre as assistant director. He is a founding member of the film society of Eleusis and has published many reviews and presentations of films. He worked as Head of a team for daily broadcasting programmes (parallel network) during the summer period of the first attempt and creation in Greece. From 1984 to 2004 he was a consultant for the cultural events of the Municipality of Eleusis. He was involved for three years (1989-1992) in the team of Alexis Damianos as assistant director for the film “Iniochos” (Charioteer). He then worked (1992-1994) for SKAI TV as a director. Next, he collaborated as an assistant director on the research, design and implementation of the 12-year production (1988-2000) of the award-winning documentary “Mourning Rock” directed by Philippos Koutsaftis. Since 1996 he has been working as a TV director for Star channel, participating in dozens of productions and multi-channel systems such as live and recorded broadcasts, music programmes and video-clips, plays, advertising spots, trailers, and more.
Katerina Bouba, Member of the B.o.D.
Katerina Bouba is a Civil Engineer (School of Engineering, Patras University, 1993). She has completed her postgraduate studies at the Hellenic Open University (H.O.U., 2018) on Engineering Project Management; the subject of her postgraduate thesis was “Analysis of key parameters and evaluation of economic objective of Public Procurement for Engineering Projects – Financial evaluation of public works”. She has worked in positions of responsibility for the Olympic Metro Joint Venture (1994-1998) and for Olympic Village S.A. (2001-2010), as well as for OAEE (Insurance Organization for Self-employed Professionals), in the organization’s Maintenance and Management Department. She is currently seconded to the Office of the Minister of Environment and Energy, in charge of the coordination of Scientific Advisors and Consultants, as well as of issues of regional planning and urban development. She speaks English and German.
Dimitris Papadopoulos, Member of the B.o.D.
Dimitris Papadopoulos, 46 years old, was born and raised in Eleusis. He studied at the National Technical University of Athens (N.T.U.A.) in the School of Chemical Engineering, graduating in 1995. He received his MSc and PhD degrees from the School of Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester (UMIST – University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology), in the UK, in 1999. He worked for three years as Research Associate at the University of Manchester (UMIST). Since 2002, he has been working as an engineer for HELECTOR S.A. – a member of ELLACTOR GROUP S.A.– in directors’ positions for projects dealing with waste management.
Since 2011, he has been a member of the City Council of Eleusis. He has been Chairman of Legal Entities of the Municipality, has served as Chairman of Eleusis City Council and appointee consultant of the mayor on environmental and recycling matters.
Kyriakoula (Koula) Paradeisi, Member of the B.o.D.
Kyriakoula Paradeisi was born in Eleusis in 1953. It is to the city that raised and nurtured her that she has offered all her love. She is married, and has three children and three grandchildren. For thirty years, following her children’s birth, she was involved in the management of her family’s construction company. At the same time, she committed herself fully to the fight for the prosperity of the city and its people. She has been deeply involved in public affairs, both at a municipal and regional level. She was a member of the Thriassio Hospital’s Management body for ten years, where she supported employees and patients with their issues. In local government, she has always fought, and still does, for the common good. She is a member of the Eleusis 2021 Committee, having been selected by the Mayor of Eleusis. She is in the New Democracy Committee for Culture, under the chairmanship of Mrs. Olga Kefalogianni. Koula Paradeisi, always restless, with a tendency, by nature and intention, to offer, always stands by the side of those who need her.
Elena Tzelepi, Member of the B.o.D.
Elena Tzelepi is Assistant Professor at the University of Thessaly, in the Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology. Her scientific interests include political and social philosophy, contemporary critical theory, feminist thought and gender theories, philosophy of art, cultural critique, contemporary interpretations of ancient Greek philosophy and drama. Elena Tzelepi has studied Philosophy at Ohio State University, while she pursued graduate studies at the New School of Social Research where she completed her doctoral thesis in 2007 on the subject of “Mimesis as Philosophical Critique: Eventuality and the Feminine”, under the supervision of Professor Simon Critchley. She has, among other things, taught at Columbia University of New York, the American University of Cairo, the University of Helsinki, including “Gender, Society and Politics” at the Interdepartmental Postgraduate Programme at Panteion University, and “Education and Human Rights” at the Postgraduate Programme of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (in collaboration with the University of London). She has collaborated, as Researcher, with the Center for the Study of Social Difference and the Institute for Research on Women and Gender at the University of Columbia and with the Birkbeck Institute Research Centre for the Humanities at the University of London.
Stavroula – Villy Fotopoulou, Member of the B.o.D.
Stavroula – Villy Fotopoulou was born in Kalamata, and graduated from the city’s 1st General Lyceum. She is a graduate of the Department of Archaeology and History of the School of Philosophy at the University of Athens. Since 1996, she has been working for the Ministry of Culture, where she was posted as a graduate of the National School of Public Administration. She holds postgraduate degrees in Contemporary History (UOA, 2008) and Social Folklore (UOA, 2011). She is a fluent speaker of English, and has a working knowledge of French and Spanish. Since 2014, she has been the Director of Modern Cultural and Intangible Cultural Heritage at the General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage. She has represented the Ministry of Culture in International Organizations (UNESCO, EU), regarding issues falling within her responsibility.
