The "cultural foundation" takes dynamic role in the cultural development of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The Cultural Foundation of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is launching its activities with an ambitious vision to open new horizons for local cultural development. Focusing initially on two landmark venues—the Gümülcine Concert Hall and the Art and Thought Cultural Center (Manos Hadzidakis House) in İskeçe—the Foundation will act as a unified cultural body that produces, hosts, and promotes cultural content across the region.
This initiative was spearheaded by the Regional Governor, Mr. Christodoulos Topsidis, who, from the beginning of his mandate, prioritized cultural infrastructure. In July 2024, he established the regional cultural company to manage cultural assets and coordinate cultural output. He also secured funding for restoration works at the Gümülcine Concert Hall, ensuring it meets modern operational and safety standards.
The official presentation of the Cultural Foundation and its nine-member Board of Directors took place on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the Gümülcine Concert Hall. The event included a tour of the upgraded facilities and a briefing on the action plan for the current year.
Board of Directors:
Konstantinos Katsimigas, Architect – President & CEO, Gümülcine
Maria Dimasi, University Professor, Gümülcine
Athanasios Trikoupis, University of Ioannina Professor, Cultural Advisor, Dedeağaç
Vasileios Vergopoulos, Retired Educator, Founder of the History of Education Museum, Kavala
Athanasia Giantsoudi, Professional, Dedeağaç
Vasileios Kapoutsis, Retired Educator, Local Government Dance Instructor, Ferecik, Meriç
Michail Lychounas, Archaeologist, Kavala
Emmanouil Balantinakis, Dance Instructor, Board Member of the Panhellenic Union of Folk Dance Teachers, Drama
Marina Pavlidou, Lawyer, İskeçe, Head of the Committee for the Hadjidakis House
Artistic Director: Mr. Paschalis Xanthopoulos, with a background in theater, cinema, photography, and television, based in İskeçe.
Currently, the Gümülcine Concert Hall and the Foundation are staffed by three seconded regional employees, two technical staff on project contracts, and seasonal volunteers.
Facilities of the Cultural Foundation
Gümülcine Concert Hall
Major renovation works have been completed on both interior and exterior infrastructure, ensuring safety and functionality. The hall is now ready to host guided visits, school programs, exhibitions (painting, fine arts, etc.), and major cultural events.
Scheduled events include:
- Tributes to Robiros Manthoulis, Manos Hadjidakis, and Italian Cinema
- A literary event dedicated to Yiannis Xanthoulis in collaboration with the Book Club
- Performances with the National Opera and Gümülcine Municipal Theater (DIPETHE)
- Conferences, TEDx events, lectures, and more
Memoranda of cooperation have already been signed with the National Opera, with upcoming agreements involving the Democritus University of Thrace, Ionian University, University of Macedonia (PA.MAK), Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), University of Ioannina, and institutions in Edirne and Plovdiv.
Art and Thought Cultural Center (Manos Hadzidakis House), İskeçe
Safety-related infrastructure issues are being reviewed, along with options for leasing the cafeteria and three commercial spaces. The Foundation is also planning permanent and temporary exhibitions, enhancing the visibility of cultural exhibits, and establishing a permanent library and record archive.
Where the Foundation does not own facilities, cultural events will be hosted in municipal or partner institutions, ensuring regional coverage.
Vision
The goal is to establish the Cultural Foundation as a hub of creativity and extroversion, highlighting local cultural heritage, strengthening collaborations with artists and institutions, and promoting Eastern Macedonia and Thrace both as a vibrant cultural producer and as a tourism destination.
The Region embraces its cultural role with responsibility and vision, investing in initiatives that inspire, educate, and bring communities together.
The Cultural Foundation is not just a structure—it is a promise for the future of culture in our region.
