SNF Extends Support for the Greek National Opera with an €11 Million Grant

ATHENS – On Monday, July 1, at the Stavros Niarchos Hall, the Greek National Opera (GNO) held a press conference where Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF) Co-President Andreas Dracopoulos announced the extension of the Foundation’s support with a two-year, €11 million grant.

This grant aims to enhance the GNO’s artistic outreach both in Greece and internationally. Simultaneously, GNO Artistic Director Giorgos Koumendakis revealed the artistic program for the 2024-2025 season, which will benefit from the new SNF grant.

This new two-year grant (2024-2026) follows the completion of a previous four-year SNF grant (2019-2023) that supported the GNO’s outreach efforts. Of the €11 million, €10 million is an outright grant, while €1 million will be provided once the GNO secures matching funds from other international sources. Covering the 2024-25 and 2025-26 artistic seasons, the grant focuses on five main areas: continuing international co-productions, artist residencies, an international touring program, GNO tours in the Greek provinces, and attracting donors and strategic sponsorships, particularly from abroad. Additionally, the grant supports offering free tickets to underprivileged groups, promoting GNO’s work through communication campaigns, enriching GNO TV’s streaming content, and investing in the education and training of the GNO’s artistic personnel.

Andreas Dracopoulos expressed delight at extending the partnership with the GNO, which began in 2012 and has since provided €39 million in support, including the new grant. He highlighted the significant role of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) and its state-of-the-art facilities designed by Renzo Piano in the GNO’s evolution. Dracopoulos emphasized the importance of the new grant in enhancing the GNO’s artistic outreach and expanding its international presence through strengthened partnerships and matching funds initiatives.

GNO Artistic Director Giorgos Koumendakis discussed the upcoming 2024-2025 artistic program, “Surpassing Limits,” and acknowledged the crucial support of the SNF. He credited the 2019-2023 grant with helping the GNO redefine its artistic identity and reach a global audience through its facilities at the SNFCC and online streaming service, GNO TV. Koumendakis expressed gratitude to SNF for their continued collaboration and trust.

The total SNF support for the GNO through 2026 will exceed €39 million, encompassing initiatives to enhance the GNO’s societal outreach, the development of the new Alternative Stage, and the inclusion of new communities in the GNO’s educational activities. A significant milestone in the partnership has been the creation of the SNFCC, providing the GNO with state-of-the-art facilities designed by Renzo Piano, marking its transition into a new era.

Further detailed announcements outlining the key areas of focus for the new SNF grant to the GNO are expected soon.