PLAYGROUND for the arts is the centre of an international community of artists, students and public interested in performing arts, with an emphasis on rhythm studies and research. It was founded by Yiota Peklari, Thanos Daskalopoulos and Petros Kourtis, artists coming from diverse backgrounds (Flamenco - Tap dance - Percussion - Ballet - Contemporary dance - Body Music), with the mission to create bridges between disciplines and build an educational environment of collaboration, cross-training and inclusivity.
Our philosophy is based on the development of skills through embodied practices, the discovery and evolution of the individual voice of the performer and the support of experimentation. Since 2009 we design and implement educational programs for adults and children, people with or without disabilities, professionals and amateurs, organise festivals, performances, concerts and open jams. The fully renovated former industrial building that we are based in the centre of Athens, offers multi-purpose and functional facilities of a total area of 460 square metres, which have all the necessary infrastructure to house artistic activities and promote interaction within the community.
In November 2024 we produced the Athens INTERNATIONAL BODY MUSIC FESTIVAL and assumed its leadership by Crosspulse cultural organisation and its founder, Mr. Keith Terry. Our operation is based on the “ARTISTIC HUB” a contemporary residency model we created
which enhances artistic activities, offering long or short-term residencies to artists and art groups. Our members utilise our facilities and services and active artistically in an environment willing to highlight their work and promote new networking opportunities in Greece and abroad. We are currently hosting 12 residents, while more than 130 artists have collaborated with us in the last 9 years.
