Aiming to support initiatives that promote the integration of socially vulnerable groups and their equal participation in artistic creation, the John S. Latsis Public Benefit Foundation supported the implementation of αn educational animation workshop for adults with disabilities organised within the framework of the 16th International Animation Festival ANIMASYROS 2023, in collaboration with the Creative Employment Center for Children with Disabilities of the Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis. The workshop is part of the annual informal education programme in the field of animation designed and implemented by the organisation as part of the Festival and is part of a group of inclusion actions aimed at empowering individuals facing social exclusion. During the workshop, participants had the opportunity to explore various animation techniques, develop their artistic skills, and socialise. The result of these creative encounters was the production of an original animated regarding the vessels of antiquity, drawing inspiration from the main artistic theme of the Festival, “Animation & Ancient Greece”.

• 15 Adults with Disabilities from the Creative Employment Center for Children with Disabilities of the Municipality of Syros-Ermoupolis participated in the workshop.

“I have been coordinating the workshop for People with Disabilities for the past 7 years and I have developed a very close and pure relationship with all the participants -now, friends- involved in the workshop. No matter what happens in my professional life, I always make time to spend these creative days in Syros. It is fascinating to observe how far they have progressed in the artistic aspect and how much they feel part of not only the creative process of the film, but also of the Festival itself more broadly. Having a lot of experience in the field of disability and recognising the difficulties and lack of visibility that they face, especially in the regions of Greece, I feel that this workshop is truly a necessary creative pathway necessary for the participants.”

Elena Pavlaki

Animation Instructor & Workshop Coordinator

Watch the animated film here.