Book Fair finds a home at capital's conservatory

By Nikos Vatopoulos

The June 4 inauguration of the 37th Book Fair on the premises of the Athens Conservatory signaled two important facts: one, that the publishing sector is withstanding the effects of sluggish sales and looking for new ways to reach out to society and, second, that the building housing the event is seeking broader recognition and looking toward the future.

The partnership between the capital's publishers and the administration of the Athens Conservatory is taking place at a time that is fertile for synergies between the country's creative and productive forces. The Book Fair's inauguration was attended by recently re-elected Athens Mayor Giorgos Kaminis, who had another reason to make a public appearance in light of the planned revamp of the Conservatory with funding from City of Athens via the EU-backed National Strategic Reference Framework. Gavriil Sakelaridis, the leftist SYRIZA candidate for the Athens mayorship who lost out to Kaminis in the runoffs, was also present at the inauguration, further strengthening the climate of cooperation.

“The renovation plan will proceed despite all the adversity,” says the president of the Athens Conservatory, chief conductor Nikos Tsouchlos. The project has already received funding of 7.5 million euros, while a smaller amount is still pending before it can finally get under way. Right now it is in the preparation phase, with the tender being drawn up, and, based on the budget plan, the renovation should be completed by August next year.

“The Athens Conservatory, despite it prominent location, special architectural layout and rich history, is one of the city's better-kept secrets,” says Tsouchlos. “As part of our effort to reveal this secret and to make it a part of everyday life...