Residencies as a form of support for the art scene
Through learning about the work of the Athens ARTWORKS, we gained new knowledge about innovative and sustainable models of artist residencies.
As part of the Erasmus+ mobility program (project no.: 2024-1-HR01-KA122-ADU-000233054), Pogon employees Sonja Soldo and Tihana Bertek participated in the job shadowing program of the ARTWORKS organization from Athens from October 21 to 25, 2025.
ARTWORKS was founded in 2017 by Marily Konstantinopoulou and Dimitra Nikolou with the support of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF). The organization supports contemporary artists and curators in Greece and abroad, with their focus on strengthening the local art scene through financial support, residency programs, networking, international visibility and the development of professional working conditions for artists. The organization develops partnerships with cultural institutions in Greece and abroad and builds platforms that connect Greek artists with international audiences.
Since 2018, ARTWORKS has awarded almost 400 scholarships. This pioneering initiative has played a key role in supporting and establishing Greek artists between the ages of 25 and 42 working in the field of visual arts, film, dance and curatorial practices. In a sector where professional stability is rare and funding opportunities are limited, this program is one of the key platforms for the development of the local art scene, allowing fellows to devote themselves to research, experimentation and production.
By being introduced to the work of ARTWORKS, Pogon's employees gained new knowledge and insights about innovative and sustainable models of artist residencies, as well as about practices that have proven to be successful in forming programs for the community. The hosts also organized several meetings with partner organizations (ISET) or other organizations dealing with residencies (Onassis AiR, Snehta and NEON) to get a broader picture of the Greek scene and different models of financing and designing residencies and community building. We look forward to applying some of the acquired knowledge in our work, that is, in the residencies we organize.
The project is funded by the European Union. The opinions and views expressed in the article reflect the author's views only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Agency for Mobility and Programmes of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting body can be held responsible for them.
