Workshop & Local Study Tour by Region of Western Greece.
The Region of Western Greece organized and hosted a local thematic workshop and a study tour in the city of Messolonghi for CCI stakeholders on Thursday, June 13th, 2024.
The CCI stakeholders in attendance included the Municipalities of Patras, Aigialeia, and Messolonghi, as well as the Ephorate of Antiquities of Achaia, and the Chamber of Aitoloakarnania Prefecture.
The local thematic workshop for CCI stakeholders took place at the Chrysogelo Building, a preserved neo-classical monument in Messolonghi. The Region of Western Greece, represented by Ms. Sophia Karveli and colleagues, analyzed the Regional Policy Framework and Background Analysis for Good Practice selection and assessment at the local and interregional level, specifically referring to the priorities set for intervention policies in Smart Expertise/specialized skills development in the Region.
Furthermore, a presentation was made regarding trends in CCI from the COVID-19 pandemic onwards and how these are reshaping the whole CCI sector landscape with a broad range of new synergies and opportunities for growth for artists, creatives, and other stakeholders in the CCI sector.
In closing, the scope of CHERRY's upcoming pilot actions was mentioned, namely the digitalization of the creative sector through networking and extroversion to guide innovation and support of cross-fertilization between creative firms.
The Study Tour included visits to the Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum of Messolonghi and the Salt Museum of Messolonghi.
Ms. Effi Saranti of the Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum illustrated the building’s rich heritage history, starting in the 19th century. She highlighted how the Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum is an integral part of the region's cultural heritage and is closely linked to the life and memories of the modern city. The Xenokrateio Archaeological Museum, the central Archaeological Museum of the region, presented its unique archaeological wealth and cultural heritage.
Ms. Saranti's tour not only informed the CCI stakeholders but also enriched their understanding of the building’s renovation and repurposing during the pandemic, selected as a Good Practice in CHERRY. The building was designed to function not only as a museum space but also as a historical building that will be revived and will henceforth be a living point of reference in the life of the modern city, having at the same time an educational and recreational role – specifically, a local photography artist's work was also on display at the Museum during the tour.
Lastly, the stakeholders were given a tour of the Messolonghi Salt Museum, recent winner of the Portimão Museum Prize, by Ms. Despoina Kanelli, Director of the museum. Ms. Kanelli covered the history of salt and its importance in the region. She presented many facets of how salt is interwoven in art and culture and how the Salt Museum of Messolonghi came to fruition.