After the qualification of Kalamata in the three final contenders for the Cultural Capital of Europe 2021 title last February, KALAMATA:21 Candidacy Office taking into account the recommendations of the Selection Panel, launched a nationwide contest for the executive positions.
On Friday, April 22nd, 2016, after examining the applications and conducting interviews, the Board of thePublic Beneficiary Corporation of the Municipality of Kalamata “FARIS” unanimously declared Mr. Polydoros Karyofyllis (Poka Yio) as new Artistic Director of KALAMATA:21.
Poka Yio noted that taking this difficult task is an honor and a pleasure and he hopes to successfully meet the expectations of an entire city and that he will do his best for such an important institution as theEuropean Capital of Culture.
The new Artistic Director gave Tornos News the following exclusive interview in which he describes the opportunities and challenges to be faced:
Which are the strong points of Kalamata’s proposal for the 2021 Capital of Culture competition?
Kalamata is a place that has the potential to be a model-town for the future of Greece. Linking its long tradition and its contemporary cultural achievements under a proposition is a potent combination that makes Kalamata a strong candidate.
How was it suggested that Kalamata be a candidate as one the European Capitals of Culture 2021? Why did the city decide to participate in this competition?
For what I understand it was a will of its people expressed by its municipal authorities and its mayor who is the enthusiastic champion of the idea.
What can participating in the competition mean for Kalamata’s future and prospects?
It is an excellent opportunity to contemplate on the future of Kalamata and the region and work on a cultural strategy that expands in the next decades. The Cultural Capital is the opening act for such a broad and ambitious programme.
Is Kalamata exploring funding opportunities offered by the European Union programmes to finance projects included in its European Capital of Culture cultural programme?
It is important to raise as much funds as possible in order to create the infrastures and also make an international program with institutional collaborations.
How does Kalamata plan to use its participation to promote stronger ties with Europe?
Kalamata is already a destination due to its new airport but this tourism is mainly geared towards summer vacations and the archaeological attractions. The plan is to link all these elements in a destination that is also an alternative to the urban metropolises. A town of a human scale thriving with cultural activities, employment and growth opportunities for its youth and people.
Experience has shown that the event is an excellent opportunity to boost tourism. What are the expectations for tourism increase in Kalamata by 2021?
Each year Kalamata accomodates more and more tourists and most probably the numbers will only rise in the next decade. The challenge is not to become a passive receiving end but also a town that is outward looking. Kalamata should turn its face to the sea-front, search and find the endless opportunities in the horizon, expand and grow. Agricultural production, technology, education, culture and tourism should be a mixture of equal parts.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations , Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
