THE PRESS CONFERENCE OF EMST FOR THE REVIEW OF ITS ACTIVITIES FOR 2017-2018
AND THE PROGRAM ANNOUNCEMENT FOR 2019
On Thursday, November 15, 2018 a Press Conference was realized at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST) for the Review of its activities for 2017-2018 and the Program announcement for 2019.
The Press Release follows:
Review of the activities for the time period 2017-2018
Program announcement for 2019
- The activities of the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) in Greece and abroad for 2019
- Approval of the Grant of Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF)
- Establishment of the Association “Friends of the EMST”
- Future prospects
The last years have been determinant for the promotion of the aims of the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST) and its operation, as the necessary administrative actions for the definitive reception of the new building were completed, the regular exhibition in the FIX building in Athens has started, as well as its extrovert exhibition activity abroad, giving recognition and distinction to the Museum. From October 2016 to July 2018, EMST seamlessly operated the spaces of its temporary exhibitions, its Educational Programs, the Conference and Projection Room and its Shop, presenting a significant number of exhibitions and events. The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Athens (EMST) is now ready to offer society and artists the space and platform they need, in order to have a continuous art dialogue that puts the present in direct contact with the future. As a universal code, contemporary art can bridge the contrasts that exist in every society and promote a multifaceted and participatory dialogue.
In July 2018, the grant of 3,000,000 euros from Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) was approved, which is decisive for the continuation of the dynamic course of the EMST. Its absorption will allow the optimization of the Museum’s main strategic objective, i.e. the equipment and its full operation. The implementation of the approved designs for the installation of its permanent collection on the last three (3) floors of the museum, the operation of the media lounge, the completion of the projection and conference room, the warehouse, the library, the archive, the roof and the entire building as a whole are now a matter of months. In addition, the tenders for the opening of its cafe and restaurant will be completed by that time.
After the completion of its exhibitions in summer of 2018 EMST temporarily suspended its exhibition activity so that it will proceed as soon as possible to the necessary works and plan of its program after 2018. However, the sense of responsibility regarding the purpose of the museum have led to the decision not to remain idle during the holidays, as long as this does not hinder or delay the progress of the works of the implementation of the approved plans.
At the end of 2017, the plan of EMST provided for the museum to be fully operational by the end of 2018. This is why the request was made to Stavros Niarchos Foundation in November. However, due to the financial crisis, it was not possible to ensure in due time the necessary Regular Budget that would allow the museum to be staffed and cover its inelastic expenses. Recently, the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports approved an extraordinary grant to cover the current needs of the museum for 2018 and today we are awaiting the adoption of the Budget of 2019 that will allow for the full and normal operation of the EMST and the implementation of its designs and installation of its equipment, through the absorption of the approved SNF grant.
Another special moment for the museum is the completion of the procedures for the establishment of the Association Friends of the National Museum of Contemporary Art that began in May 2018. Significant people who love contemporary art and the Museum will help it with their ideas, experiences and time at its most special moment.
Its long course proves that the EMST is ready to be alive on every side of its building and to continue its extrovert course even stronger.
We would like to thank Stavros Niarchos Foundation for trusting us. We would like to thank all of our friends, artists, donors, companions and the audience that supported us all along this course. The prospect of EMST can only be positive.
The press conference at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation website
Lead Donor
Air Carrier Sponsor
Permanent Media Sponsor
Photographs from the Press Conference