Alexander Onassis, whose memory is honored by a public benefit foundation named after him

HE early Olympic Games were regarded as celebrations of culture as much as sport, and anyone who watched the spectacular opening ceremony at the Athens Olympics will have been impressed by the attempt to continue the tradition.

An important part of the legacy of the Games is the wealth of cultural projects that has accompanied them. The New Democracy administration aims to build on that legacy and has ambitions for Greece to regain its ancient role as a regional hub for culture and education.

“Greece can play the role of a strong cultural reference point, not only for itself but for the Balkans, southeastern Europe, and the Mediterranean,” says Christos Zachopoulos, Secretary General of the Minister of Culture. “It can promote stronger dialog between east and west.”

The importance being attached to culture by the new administration is highlighted by the Prime Minister’s decision to undertake the office of Minister of Culture personally. The move is seen as guaranteeing the implementation of a new policy that gives more prominence to the arts.

The government is taking a more focused and coordinated approach than any of its predecessors, bringing together all cultural heritage and development projects under the umbrella of a Unified Cultural Network. Mr. Zachopoulos compares the realization of its goals to a marathon. “It is a long distance race in which many actions and policies need to be put in place,” he says.

The ideas and vision of ancient Greece have had a powerful influence on the way the country is perceived abroad ever since the time of Lord Byron. Today, when Greece is seeking to boost its share of the international tourism market, the promotion of Greek culture—ancient and modern—is seen as a valuable component in the bid to attract more visitors.

The government has promised to build the long-delayed new Acropolis Museum within two years, at a cost of 129 million euros ($170 million). Athens still hopes the museum will one day house the fifth-century BC Elgin, or Parthenon, Marbles, which it is trying to persuade the British Museum to return to Greece, possibly on long-term loan.

At a more everyday level, the ongoing Melina Project, a joint initiative by the Ministries of Culture and Education, is promoting cultural activities in schools and universities, including theater, visual arts, modern dance, music, photography, and literature. The project encourages the development of practical links between schools, artists, and cultural institutions.

A significant contribution to the promotion of Greek culture is made by the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation, which was established in 1975 to honor the memory of the son of the shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis.

The federation operates permanent educational, cultural, and public benefit programs, and awards scholarships, grants and prizes. It also promotes Hellenic culture both inside and outside Greece, and implements and supports national and international projects in education, the environment, health, and humanitarian aid.

STELIO PAPADIMITRIOU President of the Alexander S. Onassis Public Benefit Foundation

It funded the creation of the Onassis Library for Hellenic and Roman Art at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, and one of its most important current projects is building a House of Letters and Fine Arts for symphony concerts, opera, and theater in Athens.

Stelio Papadimitriou, the Foundation’s President, says the vision of Aristotle Onassis has been fulfilled by his successors, who share the same values. The values of Greek culture itself, he argues, are universal and the foundation makes a significant contribution to propagating them.

“Greek culture is vast,” says Mr. Papadimitriou. You cannot help people to understand what life is all about unless you invest in the field of humanities, and most governments do not do this. We believe Greek culture can help all people.”