THE CULTURAL DISTRICT AS AGORA: INCLUSIVITY IN PRACTICE
What does it mean to be an agora – a communal public space – today? How do we create and maintain places where everyone feels that they belong?
GCDN is holding its tenth annual convening in Athens from 20 to 23 May 2024. Hosted by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) with support from AEA Consulting, this edition is an invitation to explore how cultural districts can become centers of social and cultural activity at the heart of public life.
In a period of growing polarization, the role of cultural districts as architects of places that uphold inclusivity and openness has never been higher on our agendas, but the barriers have rarely been more complex and harder to surmount. So how do we go about it? Well, there is a lot to discuss and SNFCC’s stunning campus – built around a central agora – is the perfect backdrop for our conversations.
The program includes sessions, workshops, social events and activities that invite members and guests to discover relevant practice, tools and models, as well as to learn from each other and expert counsel. The convening is bookended by an opening evening reception and a free day with discretionary tours to allow for comfortable arrival/departure and more time to explore Athens.
GCDN is an initiative of AEA Consulting. Find out more about GCDN here and please contact us if you have any questions.
All information on this webpage is subject to change – last updated on 28 May 2024.
Tickets
GCDN membership provides free registration to the convening for two representatives – and a 25% discount on any additional registration.
The GCDN 2024 convening is an invite-only event. Please contact us if you require a code to book your complimentary/discounted tickets as network members, speakers, or guests.
Venue and map
Pictures & summary
Click on the buttons below to access pictures and a summary report (coming soon).
Program
The Athens 2024 convening has the following structure:
– Mon, May 20: opening reception (evening)
– Tue, May 21: Convening
– Wed, May 22: Convening
– Thu, May 23: optional tours
Click on the button to access the full program.
We encourage registered attendees to create a profile on Sched to access the full programme, sign up for break out sessions, and interact with other participants before, during and after the event.
The convening programme is also available on the Sched app for iPhone and Android. Use the buttons below to download the app for your smartphone.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any question about the schedule or if you encounter any issue navigating Sched on your browser or phone.
You may also watch these tutorial videos to familiarize yourself with Sched’s features:
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Practical information
Travel dates & itinerary
Recommended travel dates: to enjoy the experience of the convening to the fullest, GCDN recommends planning to arrive in Athens by early afternoon on 20 May and leave on 23 May.
Recommended itinerary (air travel): land at Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos” (ATH) and then take a taxi to the hotel.
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: Visas
Greece is part of the European Union’s Schengen Area. As such, visitors from many countries – including all 27 EU members as well as the UK, the US, and AUS/NZ – do not require any visa.
If you have a doubt, please visit this webpage to check entry requirements for your country of origin. If your country of origin requires a visa to enter Greece, we recommend starting the process as soon as possible.
Covid-19
There are currently no sanitary measures in place in Greece.
If in doubt, please refer to this official local government webpage for current information on the situation in Greece and any Covid-19 related entry requirements/restrictions.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.