How would you like if someone from EMΣΤ visited you at home?
“Companionship with Contemporary Art” is a programme that brings elderly people and people with difficulties in mobility into contact with art. It is implemented by the Education Department of the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the Municipality of Athens’ programme “Help at Home”. It was realised for the first time from October 2022 until May 2023. It continues for a fourth year (October 2025 – May 2026).
“Help at Home” aims to provide social care to non-self-supporting citizens, the elderly and people with disabilities, by specialists and qualified staff, with priority given to those who live alone. “Help at Home” includes counseling and psychological support, family help and companionship.
AT HOME
“Companionship with Contemporary Art” is a series of visits made by the museum’s education staff to the homes of people who wish to know more about the institution, its collections and exhibitions, but are unable to visit it. By displaying works of art from the EMΣT collection or the museum’s exhibitions, in the form of digital images and videos, a discussion is initiated during which various topics are discussed, encouraging interaction and dialogue based on the arts. In addition, hands-on activities are suggested, where appropriate.
AT THE MUSEUM
Following the home visits, if the participant wishes, a visit to the Museum is arranged with the assistance of the Municipality of Athens staff. An individual tour —or a tour in a small group— is offered while we discuss together impressions of the exhibitions.
Within the same collaborative framework, group visits/tours are also organized for elderly members of the Municipality of Athens’ Friendship Clubs.
Concept and coordination for EMΣT: Ioakeim Theodoridis (cultural manager)
Coordination for the Municipality of Athens: Anna Kostopoulou (head of Elderly Care department)
Municipality of Athens Collaborators: Antigoni Kokkosi (social worker), Nikoleta Kotianidou (social worker)
EMΣΤ Collaborators: Elisabeth Ioannides (education curator), Dimitris Kannas (animateur), Marina Tsekou (education curator)
SUPPORTED BY
