A new anti-tagging initiative in Athens is revitalizing the Greek capital city and bringing art to public spaces.
The “Athens Polis” initiative, created by the Athens Partnership with support from the local municipality, consists in decorating the city by painting public telephone line boxes.
Officials called on 40 artists to decorate dozens of boxes — which are cumulatively being called the “Athens Urban Gallery.”
The project involves 100 telephone line boxes throughout the city.
The Athens Partnership is a non-profit organization that leverages government resources and secures cross-sector support for public initiatives. Since its founding in 2015, the Athens Partnership has collaborated with more than 300 public and private partners.
“I believe it is important for every citizen to volunteer and offer their services to change our daily lives,” Kleopatra Xatzigiosi, a local artist, said in a video interview with Agence France-Presse (see below).
A local resident said the project gives “great joy” to Athenians — who walk around the city and can observe the new art every day.
“I hope all citizens of the city respect these works of art and do not vandalize them,” he added.
Report by Agence France-Presse
Athens Urban Gallery in Photos
Images Courtesy of Athens Partnership
Orion, age 9, created “The girl with the pearl earring” on the corner of Voulis & Kolokotroni streets.
Kleopatra Xatzigiosi, creator of Muster-mensch, said: “I believe in volunteering and could not pass on this opportunity to help make Athens more beautiful!”
Yannis Apergis, who created “Emergency Exit”, said: “Everyone needs an escape in our times, and this is what I tried to portray with my imaginary door, leading to a natural and soothing place.”
Dimitris Koletsis, who painted on Ermou and Voulis street, said: “For me, this is not about changing Athens – it is about changing ourselves, our outlook on everyday life.”
Tommaso Taraschi and Vili Manolakou created their work on the corner of Ermou and Voulis street.
The next day, all works were covered with a special anti-tagging coating, which will protect them for years to come.
