Highlights
- A series of events targeting both Greeks and members of the Greek diaspora is taking place in Athens
- Under the auspices of the Australian embassy, a photo exhibition capturing Australia’s Greek presence is currently open to audiences
- The broader initiative aims to strengthen social and cultural ties between the two countries
Marking the start of the project is the famed photographic exhibition ‘Greek Australians: In Their Own Image’, hosted at Shedia’s building, in the centre of Athens.
Brought together by renowned documentary photographer Effy Alexakis and historian Leonard Janiszewski, the rare photo archive presents Greek Australian migration stories that move and resonate.
“We see in these pictures the true face of our community, the everyday people, ourselves our pappou and yiayia who ventured to Australia,” Chris Alefantis, editor-in-chief of Shedia, tells SBS Greek.
The exhibition, running at Shedia’s ‘home’ until 12 November, enjoys the support of the Australian embassy in Athens.
(L) Bill Florence (Vasilios Florias), Melbourne, 1922 - George Poulos, the Rio Milk Bar, Sydney, 2014 - Spartacus and Norma Tsiamis with baby daughter, NT 1987 Source: (L) Photo courtesy, J. Florence, from the ‘In Their Own Image: Greek-Australians’ National Project Archives - (R) Effy Alexakis
“By sponsoring the exhibition, the Australian Embassy wishes to pay tribute to the wonderful contributions of the Greek Australian community which has been a pillar of Australia’s multicultural society and whose role has been nothing less than nation-building,” a spokesperson for the embassy said.
The statement also notes an expression of solidarity with Shedia magazine, “for its valuable work in assisting vulnerable people experiencing homelessness and social exclusion”.
Commenting on the overall line-up of events set to take place, Mr Alefantis explains the aim is to “exemplify even more our connection with Greeks in Australia.”
“We want to establish a hub of connection for Hellenes in both countries.”
Importantly, he says, they want to showcase the social elements that resonate with both audiences, including a shared passion for sports.
This is why the Shedia is planning to live stream the AFL Grand Final at their venue, in Athens CBD, this Saturday morning (Greece time).
According to Mr Alefantis, the enthusiasm that takes over Australians when they see their footy team competing, is similar to the sight of Athenians flocking to stadiums for a soccer game.
“We want to make locals [in Athens] understand that this game is much more than just a sporting event,” he says, explaining Greeks in general are not familiar with the elements of authentic Aussie culture.
“In Greece we might think we know what Australia is all about, but… really even in the era of social media… we don’t.
“We want to bridge this gap in knowledge”.
Press play on the main photo to listen to the podcast of the interview in Greek.
