Presented by Lettrétage and Diablog Vision, the Greek-German Literary Symposium brought together authors, translators, literary critics, artists, and others from the Greek- and German-speaking worlds. By comparing differing aesthetic impulses between the two groups within given literary genres, the symposium sought to put literary production in the two groups in productive dialogue with each other. The event, which took place between October 17th and 21st, 2018, was supported by the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) and the Hauptsadtkulturfonds of Berlin.
The symposium began with readings by more than 20 authors from Greece, Germany, Cyprus, Switzerland, and Austria, plus live music and live animation by Greek artists. Welcome addresses were given by German Minister of State for Culture and Media Monika Grütters and Greek Minister of Culture and Sports of the Hellenic Republic Myrsini Zorba. In her remarks, Minister Zorba gave a historical view of the relationship between the two nations exchanging foundational influences since the 19th century.
This historical perspective also informed the most recent installment of SNF’s monthly DIALOGUES series, “Greek Octoberfest.” Germany’s ambassador to Greece, Jens Plötner, the mayor of Thessaloniki, Yiannis Boutaris, and the manager of the Greek National Football Team, Michael Skibbe, discussed collaborative efforts between Greece and Germany, with Bavarian band and German food to follow. The DIALOGUES series presents representatives of civil society from different fields and backgrounds who inspire others through their vision and actions.
Learn more about how SNF support projects around the world that promote Greek-German collaboration.
