Victoria Square Project - Elpidos 13

Victoria Square Project (VSP) is an evolving social sculpture. It was created by the artists Rick Lowe and Maria Papadimitriou in the framework of documenta 14, in Athens, in 2017. 

Victoria Square Project is a contemporary artwork, while at the same time a physical space of reference for the neighborhood, acquiring its meaning and value in the context of urban development and neighborhood planning around its particular urban area. Currently it operates as a contemporary art space focused on the empowerment and inspiration of the residents of Victoria. 

Victoria Square Project aims to be a catalyst for highlighting the importance of culture, art and creativity in order to build a more humane society. In this way an alternative to that sovereignty model of devaluation and/or ignorance for the value of existing populations and diversity is offered. We seek to be a social meeting point in which intercultural relations are developed, a creative platform that will enhance cultural exchanges and strengthen the region's community. A large number of artists, architects, researchers, local entrepreneurs, educators, academic institutions, neighbours and various other organizations are linked to these goals of ours and ensured that the strategies followed by the project are in line with local sensitivities and community needs. 

The initial planning expanded beyond the time frame of documenta 14 with the aim to become a long term commitment towards the community. Although it was initially thought that the space would last for only a year,  VSP has become a part of the everyday life of Victoria neighborhood. It is the result of the large engagement of the neighborhood as well as the large participation of artistic groups and initiatives who have been present and active at VSP, urging its continuation.

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What is social sculpture? 

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It is what people make of it and it implies caring for society as if it were a collective work of art. Working with various community initiatives, local businesses, institutions, the municipality, artists, and other individuals and groups, Victoria Square Project seeks to elevate the cultural and historical assets of this vital crossroads in Athens.