Athens’ SNFCC Wins Over the Crowds with Culture

The SNFCC executives during the press conference on the center’s performance. Photo © SNFCC / Nikos Karanikolas

Since its handover to the Greek state last year, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) has welcomed some 3.4 million visitors, exceeding initial forecasts of 700,000, the board of directors said this week during a press conference on the center’s performance.

Photo © SNFCC / Nikos Karanikolas

Addressing the press event, Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos said the success of the SNFCC demonstrates that “the public sector can be part of the solution rather than part of the problem”.

According to the SNFCC board, the financial result for 2017 was improved by  2.3 million euros compared to the initial budget laid out in the business plan, with the positive trend set to continue into 2018.

Other milestones to date include the successful relocation and operation of the new National Opera and of the National Library of Greece, as well as the organization of more than 6,000 free events made possible with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) in the 1 January 2017- 30 September 2018 period.

Photo © SNFCC / Giorgis Gerolymbos

Having achieved visitor goals, the aim now is to enrich the SNFCC’s offerings to the public and the community. The joint development of the SNFCC, the National Opera and National Library is our key priority,” said SNFCC managing director Nikos  Manolopoulos.

Photo © SNFCC / Nikos Karanikolas

Future plans for the SNFCC include enhancing its artistic program with international collaborations; creating a series of “experience hubs” within the park area starting with the Christmas period, and ultimately developing site-specific installations; establishing permanent sculpture exhibitions on the grounds; reaching out to school children and senior citizens with educational and creativity events and activities; and boosting activities that will involve the community.

“Good results do not come easily. They follow years of very good cooperation between the private and public sectors… We have demonstrated, for decades, that we believe in Greece, we believe in its people, and that is why we are here. The success of this project is directly linked to the human factor. We are all working for a common goal; to ensure that the SNFCC continues operate for all,” said Andreas Dracopoulos, director of the SNF.