​“Environment and Culture” is an annual campaign launched in 2008 by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Tourism. In the heart of this initiative lies the belief that the notions of natural and cultural environment are intimately related, forming two facets of a single cause. Therefore, it wishes to establish a policy on a national level in order to inspire and stimulate their protection through a wide variety of cultural activities. Nature serves as a source of inspiration for artistic creations: in turn, art and cultural heritage can provide an incentive for raising awareness on the dangers that threaten our environment and, thus, for enhancing the quality of our lives.
The goal and the wish of the Educational Program and Communication Department is that the campaign should be repeated annually in spring, with a new theme every two years. For years 2008-2009 the campaign explored the theme of “The Tree of Life”. The symbolism of the tree, rich and multifaceted, deeply rooted in the minds of people, combined myths and religious beliefs, traditions and philosophical ideas through different eras of Greek civilization: Prehistory, Ancient times, Byzantine period and Modern Greece. These four historical periods were seen as “four seasons”, each one adding new branches to the trunk of the tree’s narratives, depictions and symbolic values.
Following the first successful implementation of the campaign in 2008, the 2009 celebration took place in 123 archaeological sites, museums and monuments all over Greece. On the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th of May, the public had the opportunity to attain thematic educational activities and tours in archaeological sites, museums, monuments and art galleries.
40.000 visitors had the opportunity to express on our responding cards their thoughts and fears, their dreams and wishes, either in words or in drawings. These visitors, including students, discovered trees made of clay, metal and marble, painted on walls, on canvas or on wooden trunks and embroidered on wedding sheets. Real trees, related to traditional characters of Greek mythology and folklore, were also included.
The General Directorate of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage was responsible for the campaign’s organisation and co-ordination, including the participation of many services of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. Entrance was free to all public museums and sites, which took part to the campaign.
Informative leaflet
Campaign’s informative brochure was the same for all archaeological sites and museums. There was also a responding card where the visitors had the chance to express their impressions, views and feelings about the events and activities. More than 10.000 cards were collected, sent by visitors of all ages from different parts of Greece and from different countries across the world. The responses were collected by the services in charge and a selection has been posted on the Ministry’s web page.
Campaign’s logo
Campaign’s logo communicates the message of the Campaign. It depicts the leaf as an environmental symbol with a continuing weaving line, which reminds an ionic column head. Thus, the logo symbolizes the bonds between cultural heritage and natural environment and underlining the classical growing of spirit and substance.