Neprocjenjiva kulturna digitalna zbirka od 65 godina: Arhiv Festivala Atena – Epidaur (1955. – 2020.)

This article examines the creation and significance of the Athens Epidaurus Festival archive, documenting 65 years of one of Greece’s most important cultural institutions (1955–2020). The Festival has played a central role in promoting Greek classical heritage while introducing international innovation in performing arts, hosting 3,683 productions of theater, music, opera, and dance. Initially centered at the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Festival later expanded to various venues, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions that bolstered Greece’s cultural and tourism sectors while elevating its global profile.

The archive preserves the Festival’s rich history with materials including annual catalogs, posters, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and performance programs. These resources capture key moments in cultural history and reflect the sociopolitical context and artistic trends of each era. A meticulous documentation process, led by a 17-member team under the academic supervision of Eleni Papalexiou and Avra Xepapadakou, organized and digitized this invaluable collection, ensuring accessibility for research and creative purposes.

Containing over 2,700 photographs, 1,100 videos, and hundreds of printed materials, the archive functions as a cultural repository, safeguarding the legacy of the Festival while inspiring future generations of artists, scholars, and audiences with its unparalleled breadth and interdisciplinary significance.