Α series of activities to revive the collective memory in a historic neighborhood of the city
by Όχι Παίζουμε / Urban Dig Project
#public space
#education
#mapping
#networking
Social, urban and economic developments alter the urban environment and create the risk of loss of the historical and cultural memory of the neighborhoods of Athens.
Dourgouti Island Hotel was implemented by performing arts collective Όχι Παίζουμε / UrbanDig Project to energize urban space, people and the cultural capital of the neighborhood of Dourgouti in Neos Kosmos. Therefore a program of artistic and scientific activities of acquaintance with the cultural wealth of the refugee neighborhood, both in the public space and online, was implemented.
Through a cultural festival which included screenings, an oral history workshop, a digital platform to highlight the contemporary character of the neighborhood, three kinds of mapping (historical, cultural, visitors’ impressions), exploration walks, a documentary, process evaluation studies and a site specific theater performance, a multi dimentional recording of the history of Dourgouti was attempted.
Dourgouti Island Hotel was implemented with the support of the City of Athens, The Organization for Sports, Culture and Youth of the Municipality of Athens and synAthina while numerous partnerships with active local stakeholders and with scientific and artistic institutions from Greece and abroad were structured.
The activity of Όχι Παίζουμε collective, which will subsequently map and explore Omonia as well as other areas of the city, contributes to the preservation of urban memory through multifaceted mapping procedures, and through the activation and engagement of the respective local communities. At the same time it suggests creative ways for the promotion and development of Athens’ touristic product.