The presentation of the “Cultural Masterplans” project. Photo source: Culture Ministry
The Greek Culture Ministry has unveiled an ambitious initiative to showcase the unique heritage of 15 cities and islands across the country, aiming to make culture a key driver of regional development and international appeal.
The “Cultural Masterplans” project integrates culture into regional and local planning while adhering to sustainability standards. It covers destinations ranging from the Aegean islands of Ikaria, Samos, Chios, Lesvos, Limnos, Leros, Kos and Rhodes to northern cities such as Xanthi, Komotini, Alexandroupolis, Drama, Kavala, Soufli and Thessaloniki.
“This is a project of clear developmental value and strategic importance, aiming to help create a new model of cultural growth based on sustainable development,” said Culture Minister Lina Mendoni during the recent presentation in Athens.
The 15 masterplans, with funding of 592,031 euros, are supported by the ministry’s General Directorate of Contemporary Culture and Greece’s Recovery and Resilience Fund.
Culture: A cornerstone of regional branding
Culture Minister Lina Mendoni with Iasonas Fotilas, Deputy Minister of Contemporary Culture and Thanasis Kalogeresis, Associate Professor of Spatial Planning and Development, Faculty of Engineering, Aristotle University. Photo source: Culture Ministry
The Cultural Masterplans form part of the ministry’s wider agenda to promote Greece’s rich history, introduce new ways of experiencing its destinations and support local economies and communities.
Implemented in collaboration with the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of the Aegean, and the Institute of Regional Development of Panteion University, the initiative aims to:
• Bring local communities closer to scientific knowledge
• Map the cultural landscape of each region to create a new model of regional growth
• Develop a brand identity linking historical memory with contemporary design
• Outline strategies for the sustainable use of cultural resources
• Connect culture with the economy to support sustainable local development
• Strengthen social cohesion through active community participation
• Establish a database and proposals to guide future actions, collaborations and funding
“We are developing a planning tool, along with a database and proposals, to serve society and provide a foundation for future initiatives,” said Iasonas Fotilas, Deputy Minister of Contemporary Culture.
The ministry will hold four workshops in Komotini, Lesvos, Rhodes, and Thessaloniki to present progress and share further details about the program.
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