The emblematic Cine – Eleusis, a historical landmark of Elefsina and a legacy of the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture programme, is now officially under reconstruction, sponsored by Hellenic Petroleum, a subsidiary of the HELLENIQ ENERGY Group. On Wednesday, December 21, at the X – Bowling Art Center, the Memorandum of Understanding between 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, the Municipality of Elefsina and Hellenic Petroleum S.A. was signed, under which the company undertakes the reconstruction and redevelopment of Cine – Eleusis. The event, which was attended by institutional stakeholders and representatives of civil society, was moderated by journalist Manolis Spinthourakis.
The funding covers the cost of the required design studies and the renovation of the cinema, which will be carried out under the supervision and oversight of the Cultural Capital, in cooperation with the Municipality of Elefsina. The aim of the project is the immediate start of works in order for the building to be delivered for use in 2023 as a cultural venue that will host a significant part of the activities and events of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture.
In addition, Hellenic Petroleum has already funded the preparation of the design studies aimed at the development of modern building facilities, such as the Oil Mill and the IRIS I & IRIS II buildings, which will be used in the context of the ECoC’s artistic programme.
During his speech, the CEO of HELLENiQ ENERGY, Andreas Shiamishis, pointed out the following: “As a Major Sponsor of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, today we are at a special event that is about the future and about an investment in culture, and in infrastructure in the city itself, but also in the wider region of Elefsina. With the signing of this Memorandum of Understanding, in consultation with the local Authorities and the organization of the Capital of Culture, the redevelopment of the historic Cine – Eleusis is addressing a need that has been expressed for many years. We are not only strengthening the institution of the European Capital of Culture, but also leaving behind a legacy for the people of Elefsina: a modern multi-purpose venue of high standards for any future use. It is yet another example of a successful partnership between the private sector and local government towards the common goal of further developing the region.”
The Mayor of Elefsina, Argyris Economou, mentioned the following: “After months of effort, we have reached this very important day of signing the Memorandum of Understanding between the Municipality of Elefsina, HELLENiQ ENERGY and the Capital of Culture. The purchase of Cine – Eleusis was a milestone moment and now, the reconstruction of our city’s historic cinema is on track for implementation. This was a very important move for us, for two reasons: On the one hand, because Upper Elefsina will have its own cultural center—a real jewel for the entire city—and on the other hand, because it is the first time that our Municipality claims and receives such a sponsorship from a company that operates in the city. Sponsorship for high-impact projects; projects that prove that Elefsina must improve at all levels and establish the perception that the city 3 can get what it deserves from industry. I would like to thank the management of the company and all those who contributed to this effort and I hope that today will be the starting point for new, great partnerships for the benefit of Elefsina and its citizens.”
The Chair of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, Despina Geroulanou, underlined: “After the efforts of the Municipality for the acquisition of the historic venue of Cine – Eleusis and the support of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, we reached the realization of the goal. Today, this remarkable project, through the sponsorship of Hellenic Petroleum, is in the process of being reconstructed and reused. We express our sincere thanks to the company for its decisive contribution to the implementation of this project. We believe that it is an emblematic building both for the city of Elefsina itself and for Greek culture in general.”
The CEO of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, Nana Spyropoulou, said the following: “We will deliver a laboratory of creativity and artistic expression to Eleusinians and Attica, which will house art exhibitions, performing arts events, workshops, screenings, meetings and many other activities. The revival of the venue will be carried out with respect to its history, utilizing its architectural tradition, its materials, its integration into the wider urban environment. It will feature all modern operational standards, in order to function as an open and welcoming space for every creator. Our ambition is for it to be fully operational in 2023, the year of the title, but especially after that, as a focal point of the artistic and broader intellectual identity of the city.”
Cine – Eleusis is a building of high architectural significance in the commercial center of the city. It was built in the first half of the 20th century with an emblematic architectural design and operated for many years as a cinema. With its original and skilful design it can easily be converted into a semi-outdoor space and host indoor or outdoor activities. The choice to be included in the infrastructure development programme of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture brings it out of obscurity. Following its purchase by the Municipality of Elefsina and its renovation through the sponsorship by Hellenic Petroleum, it will function as a multi-purpose arts space—an artistic hub, a focus of the legacy of the institutions of 2023 Eleusis after the title year, as well as a focal point of the city’s daily life.
