Mystery 99 The Ark (ARKOPOLIS)
project
Description
Mystery 99 The Ark (ARKOPOLIS) was the flagship project of the artistic programme in the environment axis it was one of the longest running and essentially impactful projects.
In February 2023, Elefsina welcomed the Belgian collective Timecircus, and with them the longest pilgrimage in the 3,500 years of the city's history. The members of the Belgian collective set off from Antwerp on 27 May 2022, and traveled 3,000 km on foot in nine months, crossing all of Europe, towing the Landship, a construction made by recycled materials, which moves only by human power. Their long journey was an exercise in being ""on the road"" and a vivid commentary on the 21st century of recession, climate change and the unmitigated consumption of natural resources. At the same time it was an action of encouragement, strength, hope and participation of all European citizens, and a valuable contribution to the Opening Ceremony of 2023 Eleusis.
Arriving in Elefsina, Timecircus started the construction of The Ark. Within a few months, and with the contribution of the youth group Cultterra, they created a cultural and recreational space in an abandoned area at the heart of the city, which was named ARKOPOLIS. This new cultural park includes architectural & sculptural structures but also the only Skatepark in the region, built after four years of effort by the city's youth, and with an exclusive donation from the Onassis Foundation.
Through the close collaboration of Cultterra and TimeCircus, the space has been ever since enriched and systematically activated as a place of meeting, collaboration, inclusion and free creation, through cultural and social programmes. It is a free space, an “Ark of youth and culture”, open to all without restrictions. It brings together communities of all ages, hosts and strengthens new ideas from every community who wishes to activate the park. A space that is constantly evolving dynamically, proving that culture is not a commodity for a few but an integral part of Elefsina.
The Ark was inaugurated on the 18th of June 2023 with speeches, music and a DJ set in the context of SYNOIKISMOI A FESTIVAL, and the overall park named «ARKOPOLIS» was inaugurated in September 2023. It has ever since been activated through numerous events. During 2023 that was the first season, more than 4500 people have visited ARKOPOLIS and have attended 30 different activities implemented in ARKOPOLIS. Moreover, 20 artistic groups from Greece and abroad have been hosted in ARKOPOLIS. 2023 Eleusis has collaborated with all the different folklore, cultural organisations, clubs and groups based in Elefsina, as well as with local activists that can be activated.
A short video documentary of the Landship journey was presented as part of IN SITU REALITIES Eleusis documentary festival in December 2023.
Archival Research
Artists
Stages of Implementation
Departure of THE LANDSHIP from Antwerp: 27-05-2022
Arrival of THE LANDSHIP in Elefsina (Opening Ceremony): 04-02-2023
Duration of the creation of the venue: February - April 2023
Inauguration day: 18-06-2023 Time: 20:00
Party - Line-Up:
21:30: 9 1/2 band
23:00: DJ Ernella Camarao
00:00: DJ Dora Mask
02:00: Kormoranos Dj Blue Lagoon
Tickets Policy
Free Admission
Category
Axes
Keywords
Κύρια Δράση/Flagship project, Αρχιτεκτονική/Architecture, Φεστιβάλ/Festival, Περιβάλλον/Environment, Μουσική/Music, Ομιλίες/Speeches, Τέχνη στο Δημόσιο Χώρο/Art in Public Space, Διεθνής Συνεργασία/International Collaboration, Βέλγιο/Belgium, Διεύθυνση Πολιτιστικής Ανάπτυξης/Department of Cultural Development, Εμπλοκή Κοινότητας/Community Involvement, Εμπλοκή Νέων/Youth Engagement
Copyright
Eleusis 2023
CC-License
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