Action Field KODRA
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About Action Field KodraAction Field Kodra is an annual visual arts festival that takes place at the former military camp "Kodra" in Kalamaria, Thessaloniki.
B.AB. = Before ArtBOX It all started in 2001, when fifty artists occupied the former military camp and created in situ works, using the abundance of discarded materials they found scattered around the area; hence the title of the exhibition: "Trash Art". In 2002 and 2003, the event was curated by contemporary art gallery TinT, that not only coined the title "Action Field Kodra", but also contributed to shaping its identity. More than 70 artists in 2002 and more than 130 in 2003, all graduates and final-year students of the Fine Arts School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and the University of St. Etienne, presented painting, engraving, sculpture, photography, video, installations, performances, stage designs, and a theatrical play. The ArtBOX Era Between 2004-2008 Christos Savvidis undertook the festival's Artistic Direction and ArtBOX.gr was in charge of the Creative Coordination. During those years, the festival underwent major transformation and became one of the most significant and vibrant visual arts events of international acclaim in Greece, having as main focus the communication between the local and the international arts scene. Towards this end, the festival included collaborations with Greek and international artists, curators and institutions. The main programme included the actions RoomsToLet (young artists exhibition) and ProTaseis (exhibition of mid-career Greek artists) - through which several currently significant Greek curators and artists emerged. Between 2005-2008, Action Field Kodra also hosted the Forum Artists-in-Residence Programme (F.A.R.) - one of the few serious attempts to establish a residency programme in Greece. More information on F.A.R. here. |
Former Military Camp Kodra
Even years after we've left Kodra, we are still grateful to Maria Kenanidou for inviting us to undertake the festival's artistic direction & creative coordination and for her continuous trust, support and help -on various levels- throughout. |
The History of the Area
Former military camp Kodra was the largest camp in the Balkans already since the time of the Turkish occupation. The remaining buildings, dating mostly back to the beginning of the 19th century, include the spinney, the headquarters, the Unit Recreation Room, the dormitories, prefabricated warehouses and other military buildings. In 1912, following Thessaloniki's liberation from the Turkish rule, allied forces are installed at the camp. During World War I, barbwires and ditches cover the entire area, while in 1915 the first groups of refugees are installed. In 1919, following the Treaty of Versailles, the Greek army reinstalls the camp. In 1928 following the restoration of the Kalamaria refugees, the camp area is cut into pieces and gradually restricted. Following the withdrawal of the last military units in 1994, important archaeological findings are discovered here. Excavations held each summer bring into light new findings and prove that a prehistoric settlement existed there, possibly the settlement of Alia Thermi.
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Click on the images below for more information on each year's edition.