The Collective of Collectives exists to strengthen Athens' independent art ecosystem through collaboration. We believe an artist-run culture thrives through mutual support and shared responsibility. These values guide how we organise, collaborate, and welcome new participants into the network.


Artist-led

We support initiatives shaped by artists and cultural workers rather than commercial or institutional priorities.


Self-organisation

We value autonomy and independent ways of organising cultural activity without a centralized authority.


Mutual support

We see participating spaces as collaborators rather than competitors, and encourage the sharing of knowledge, resources, and opportunities.


Respect

We aim to foster environments that are welcoming, respectful, supportive and safe for artists, audiences, neighbours, and fellow organisers. We aim to cultivate respectful relationships with the neighborhoods of central Athens and to build a resistant network that challenges the forces of capital and gentrification, strengthening rather than displacing the social and urban fabric of central Athens.


Collaboration

We believe that independent initiatives become stronger through cooperation. The festival exists to create connections between spaces, artists, organisers, and audiences while preserving the autonomy of each participant.


Responsibility

We believe an artist-run culture should support artists through fair, transparent, and sustainable collaboration. We encourage practices that share resources and responsibilities equitably, contribute positively to their local communities, and reduce unnecessary financial and social barriers so that artistic opportunities remain accessible regardless of economic background.


Safe community

As an independent initiative dedicated to connecting the many artist-run project spaces across Athenian neighborhoods, we also strive to co-create safer spaces where we can learn, share, and create together. We are therefore committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, and we oppose all discriminatory practices and behaviors.