Always looking to the future, the Athens and Epidaurus Festival announced today its artistic and administrative report for the 2019-2022 triennium, specifically for the period from autumn 2019 to autumn 2022.

Here is the detailed text:

1. The ancient drama at the Festival is modern: much attention was paid to the connection of ancient drama with the creation of a modern performance. World premieres and international co-productions at Megali Epidaurusbut also a pioneering enterprise Modern Ancients: a direct task to write new plays based on the works of ancient drama with the aim of staging them in Mikri Epidaurus.
2. The festival is international and travels: priority was given to major international co-productions and the “export” of Greek productions abroad.
3. The festival invites youth: The festival sought to emphasize a modern and youthful profile. Key initiatives in this direction were: o Cycle street layers, dedicated to hip-hop culture, oh Circle Electronics which explored new trends in electronic and experimental music but was also sold out concerts of famous electronic music performers in Herodium.
4. The festival surprises another goal was to redefine the identity of the festival spaces. Thus, unexpected conversations arose about art and artists, like visionary artists in ancient theaters.
5. Festival experiential: parallel actions, round tables, discussions before and after the screenings, parties… Actions aimed at involving the viewer in the festival experience with an integrated approach.
6. The festival does not fall into hibernation: The Epidaurus Festival in Athens expanded for the first time in winter with a new program called open plan (15 acts) that arouse the curiosity of viewers of all ages.
7. The festival has acquired a new corporate identity: The Artistic Directorate has begun to renew the image of the Organization after almost 30 years.
8. The festival gives impetus to women creators: As Katerina Evagelatos became the first female head of the festival’s artistic direction in its 68-year history, highlighting more talented female creators was and remains a conscious choice.
9. The festival lives (also) in our libraries: The publishing activity of the Festival was especially intense. Were released annual catalogs festival, theater programs for her performances Great Epidaurus, theatrical series works of the Modern Ancients series, photo album by Michalis Klukinas, Waiting placesbut and a number of other albums with a particular aesthetic touch.

Over the past three years, the management of Hellenic Festival SA has developed a number of initiatives aimed at modernizing the institution, developing synergies with other institutions and individuals, as well as streamlining finances, achieving a significant increase in income.

• Organizational restructuring of the Company

Greek Festival S.A. developed for the first time since its foundation the Internal Rules of Procedure, prepared a digital organizational structure, formulated procedures for obtaining ISO certification and developed a Code of Ethics.

• Digital transformation and digital development of the agency

The administration has embarked on a digital modernization of the institution and securing funding for the digitization of the archive of the Athens Epidaurian Festival (an invaluable archive of 68 years).

• Modernization of the infrastructure and venues of the Festival

In Piraeus 260, the infrastructure was improved, the headquarters of the Festival moved to new offices that meet all modern requirements for security, functionality and accessibility. In addition, it was planned to use the Recovery Fund to finance infrastructure projects (infrastructure of the Conservatory of Herodos Attica, technological equipment, etc.).

• Implementation of the policy of extraversion

Over the course of three years, the administration forged strategic partnerships with international and domestic agencies. Among them are the Greek Red Cross, the Athens Concert Hall Organization, the French Institute of Greece, the Goethe Institute and the Center for the Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind. In parallel, the Festival participated in the European scientific and innovative projects VAST and VOX (Horizon 2020).

• Social and environmental initiatives

The administration has embarked on the development and implementation of a Green Strategy with a number of initiatives such as implementing recycling practices and a circular economy, collecting and recycling festival posters, and conducting environmental awareness activities. At the same time, thanks to the Collaboration with the Center for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind, a strong impetus was given to the inclusiveness and unhindered accessibility of the venues and events of the Festival.

• Revenue Growth

Revenue growth was achieved in 2022, which is a record not only compared to the pandemic period (2020/2021), but also to the pre-pandemic period (2017/2018/2019). In particular, in 2022 there was an increase in revenue by 30%. A significant boost has also been given to the sponsorship sector and the benefits of the 2022 Festival have surpassed all previous years.”