Communitism: Reclaiming Unutilized Heritage Buildings of Athens for Its People Through Art

Established in 2016, Communitism is an organization dedicated to utilizing historical heritage buildings in Athens, Greece, for its people through art events. Communitism was founded after the realization that there were a large number of abandoned historical sites in Athens and professionals in the local creative industry who needed work opportunities. 

This was then supplemented by the fact that a survey by Monumenta, a local non-profit organization, had found that Athens has a total of 11,300 abandoned historical buildings. Most of these sites fell to disuse, allowing them to decay without anyone to preserve or make note of the history they carried. Hence, to promote the preservation and conservation of these sites, Communitism hosts everything from art exhibitions to fashion catwalks, concerts and even film screenings in these spaces. They do this to invite the local public to experience these sites, learn more about their history, and eventually entice relevant stakeholders to preserve them further. This is why Communitism's work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of Reduced Inequalities and Sustainable Cities and Communities.

In May 2023, Communitism had to sadly leave its space at 28 Kerameikou Street, Metaxourgeio, Central Athens. The space had been their headquarters since March 2017 and became a place where they grew together and established how their organization functioned. Thanks to the support of the Trans Europe Halle, a network of grassroots arts and culture centres, Communitism established its new base at Kookooli.

Communitism's work exemplifies the power of art in reclaiming and revitalizing neglected heritage buildings in Athens, turning abandoned spaces into vibrant cultural hubs. By connecting creative professionals with historical sites, they preserve the city’s rich architectural history and foster community engagement and cultural exchange. Despite facing challenges, such as relocating from their original headquarters, Communitism remains a crucial force in promoting the conservation of Athens' heritage through inclusive and sustainable artistic initiatives. Their efforts continue to inspire a broader conversation on the importance of reclaiming urban spaces for public use and cultural preservation.

Find out more about Communitism and their initiatives on their website www.communitism.space or Instagram @communitism.