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Athens to stage celebration during Olympic Games
Athens Mayor Dora Bakoyannis announced "The City Celebrates" Arts and Culture Program to be staged during the Olympic Games in Athens on Monday. Bakoyannis made her appearance at the Zappeion Press Center, which is used to accommodate media representatives who wish to cover contemporary Greece before and during the 2004 Olympic Games and who will not be accredited by the Organizing Committee for the Games. With only 18 days to go before the opening of the Olympics, Bakoyannis expressed her full confidence in the success of Olympics and extolled the Games much more than a celebration of sports by staging "The City Celebrates" Arts and Culture Program. "The Games allow us the rare opportunity to showcase our city to the world. The Greek capital is renowned for its history and rich culture," Bakoyannis said. "However, many visitors do not know particularly those coming here for the first time that Athensis a lively metropolis of fascinating contrasts and hidden delights. We would like to show our guests the Athens that we knowand love. This is a time of joy and celebration, peace and unity." The Program consists three parts. The first involves more than 600 musical and theatrical events to be staged throughout the city, conveying the spirit of celebration and participation. Greek artists from throughout the country will perform in 515 musical events, as well as dance and street theater shows. A total of 116 international acts have been organized in cooperation with 34 embassies and cultural institutions, creating a truly multicultural atmosphere in Athens. Events will staged at 22 locations around the city in squares, in parks, on pedestrian walkways, on the historical trails every evening. The second component of the Program, known as "Athens By Art", comprises a massive outdoor art exhibition. Eighty-five works, created by eminent Greek artists, some established, others upcoming, are being placed in prominent locations, forming an "arttrail". The third section is comprised of a series exhibitions hosted by the city's cultural centers. The exhibitions include a groundbreaking display of modern art entitled "Agonon Polis", or "City's Games", a display of photographs focused on the Sydney Paralympics, and an exhibit of original works by Leonardo da Vinciand reprints inspired by sport. Besides, a special program for the Paralympics period is also planned. "The special program aims to raise public awareness on the issue of physical and mental disabilities. The works of Greek and international artists, some of whom have disabilities, featurein this program. Their achievements are truly an inspiration, proving that all difficulties can be overcome. They convey a greatmessage of hope," Bakoyannis said. "The City of Athens, staying true to the promises it has made to its citizens and guests, is happy to present a diverse, dynamicand creative arts and culture program for the Olympics period," Bakoyannis pledged. |
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