STRATIGOPOULOU 7,
Psathaki
114 72 ATHENS
Grèce
- Arts
- Democracy and community development
- Environment/Sustainable development
- Gender
- Heritage
- Human rights
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- International/Cultural relations
- Research
- Youth and education
Culture for Change is the first Greek Association representing the voices of more than 50 professionals from diverse academic backgrounds and multiple skill sets across the country, including cultural managers, artists, lawyers, behavioral scientists, designers, architects, urban planners, environmentalists, and other specialties, united by common views and practices around Social and Cultural Innovation. We support and showcase the initiatives of our members, providing them with structures, practices, guidelines, and ongoing education opportunities. Our aim is to assist them in bridging their reality and collaborating creatively with other individuals, networks, and organizations, making their work more feasible (and magical), sustainable, and effective, ultimately strengthening the Cultural sector and Civil Society in Greece and worldwide.
The roots of Culture for Change trace back to the visionary efforts of alumni from the START Create Cultural Change program and the Robert Bosch Stiftung programs in Greece. Through years of collaboration with cultural changemakers across numerous communities, our ideas took shape.
In 2020, Culture for Change emerged as the first Greek non-profit association dedicated to supporting multidisciplinary practitioners committed to fostering socio-cultural innovation in their communities. Since then, we've engaged in participatory methods to nurture, promote, and expand our foundation, establishing socio-cultural innovation as a burgeoning catalytic force.
Building on this foundation, Culture for Change offers networking, educational, and developmental opportunities encompassing various fields, whether it's dance, public initiatives, or historic site revitalization efforts. These networking activities facilitate ongoing communication among visionaries and thought leaders at the forefront of the socio-cultural innovation movement, both locally and globally. Our ultimate goal is to develop a practical model that generates collective and sustainable impact, addressing the evolving needs and interests of culture on regional, national, and international scales.
It now comprises 70+ professionals operating in 15 cities and in 11 out of the 13 regions of the country.
Co-financing model:
CforC receives support from the International Alumni Center Berlin (IAC) during its initial years of development.
An indicative annual membership fee, as the aim is not for the Association's sustainability to rely solely on memberships, but rather to practically support members towards the Association.
Donations and sponsorships from supporters, both financial and in-kind.
Participation in funding programs.
Creation of employment opportunities primarily for members.
Provision of services to third parties, whether it's actions (e.g., workshops, seminars, etc.) already organized by the Association for its members free of charge and charged to third parties, or undertaking projects for third parties.
Provision of services to third parties, with a good balance between quality and price.
CforC has one administrative assistant on staff.
Our mission is to unite cultural organization practitioners and networks, fostering a strong infrastructure and sustainable future for the CforC community. We strive to cultivate a sense of ownership among our members, empowering them to shape the trajectory of their network. Through our efforts, we aim to enhance the quality, development, and contextual relevance of Social & Cultural Innovation, embracing its diverse manifestations.
As a diverse ecosystem, our goals are to:
Foster a spirit of social solidarity, cooperation, and shared values among our members.
Advocate for and represent our members' initiatives to interested parties.
Engage creatively with civil society to advance Social & Cultural Innovation in all its facets.
Enhance socio-cultural innovation in Greece by improving practices, methods, and tools in line with societal and local community dynamics and needs.
Empower professionals in the Social & Cultural Innovation sector in Greece by fostering professional growth and development opportunities.
Facilitate cooperation and collaboration among our members for mutual professional advancement.
Strengthen the connection between the work of our members and their target groups and communities.
Advocate for Socio-Cultural Innovation in relevant cases aligned with the Association's objectives.
Please find here a list of our activities https://www.cultureforchange.net/en/activities
In 2024 Culture for Change organised Mystery 137 Moving towards professional solidarity is a five-day event at the Paleo Olive Oil Works of Eleusis, in the framework of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture. Through workshops and meetings with the local collectives of the city, Mystery 137 aimed to bring to the present the concept of professional solidarity, using culture as a means of social change.
In the context of the action Mystery 137 Moving towards professional solidarity,the first pan-Hellenic network of social innovation professionals, Culture for Change will present its hybrid development model, share tools and practices, open the dialogue on the intervention pillars of common demands, and seek, together with the citizens of Eleusis, the role of culture as a project that has a social impact on local communities. The aim of this meeting is to broaden the exploration horizons of the participants through mutual exchange and the transition to new, more participatory, collective and relevant forms of professional coalitions related to the local community of Eleusis.
Please have a look at the program here https://2023eleusis.eu/en/mystirio-137-metavasi-pros-tin-epaggelmatiki-…
Sharing Best Practices: We can share our experiences and best practices in promoting socio-cultural innovation and fostering community engagement. This exchange of knowledge can enrich the network's understanding of effective strategies for cultural change.
Collaborative Projects: We can collaborate on joint projects and initiatives that align with the goals and values of the Anna Lindh Network. By pooling resources and expertise, we can amplify the impact of our efforts and address shared challenges more effectively.
Capacity Building: CforC can offer capacity-building workshops, training sessions, and skill-sharing activities to members of the Anna Lindh Network. By empowering individuals and organisations with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can strengthen the network's collective ability to drive positive social and cultural change.
Advocacy and Policy Influence: Together with the Anna Lindh Network, we can advocate for cultural policies and initiatives that promote diversity, intercultural dialogue, and social cohesion. By amplifying our voices and advocating for change at both local and national levels, we can advance our shared vision of a more inclusive and harmonious society.
CforC is eager to join the Anna Lindh Foundation (ALF) Network for several reasons:
Collaboration and Networking: Being part of the ALF Network provides an invaluable opportunity to collaborate and network with a diverse range of organizations and individuals across Europe and the Mediterranean region. This network offers a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing best practices, and forging partnerships for advancing common goals related to intercultural dialogue, social cohesion, and cultural exchange.
Access to Resources and Opportunities: Membership in the ALF Network grants access to a wealth of resources, including microfunding opportunities, capacity-building programs, and research initiatives. By tapping into these resources, CforC can enhance its capacity, expand its reach, and amplify its impact in promoting socio-cultural innovation and fostering positive change in our community.
Learning and Knowledge Exchange: The ALF Network serves as a hub for learning and knowledge exchange on issues related to cultural diversity, interfaith dialogue, and social inclusion. By engaging with other members of the network, CforC can gain insights, learn from others' experiences, and stay informed about emerging trends and developments in the field.
Advocacy and Collective Action: Through its membership in the ALF Network, CforC can participate in advocacy efforts and collective action initiatives aimed at promoting cultural understanding, combating discrimination, and building bridges between diverse communities. By joining forces with like-minded organizations within the network, CforC can amplify its voice and contribute to meaningful change on both local and international levels.
Overall, by becoming a member of the ALF Network, CforC seeks to deepen its engagement in intercultural dialogue and collaboration, expand its opportunities for growth and development, and contribute to the broader mission of promoting peace, mutual understanding, and respect for diversity across the Euro-Mediterranean region.