University degrees for Greek artists

In a landmark move, Greece is set to establish the Higher School of Performing Arts (ASPET) for the first time. 

The initiative comes 17 years after a previous attempt in 2007 failed due to opposition from higher education institutions. The proposal emerged from a comprehensive dialogue among various stakeholders and will be presented to the cabinet on Thursday before going up for public consultation.

The new ASPET will mirror the structure of the renowned Athens School of Fine Arts, introducing a similar organizational system and admission process.

This advancement aims to elevate artists' qualifications, a response to the protests in late 2022 and early 2023 when their degrees were equated to high school diplomas for public sector hiring. All art schools will now fall under the Ministry of Education's jurisdiction.

ASPET will be established as a higher...