Culture is a living, shared experience—one that must be accessible to all. In this feature article by Lifo.gr, we explore the initiatives through which the Qualco Foundation has nurtured creativity, education and cultural heritage over the past years. Read the full story below.

What is culture? It is books, music, the performing arts—yet also our interaction with them: learning, experimenting, and above all, the language we speak. Through our engagement with culture, we not only gain a deeper understanding of the world, expanding our horizons, but we also grow richer as individuals.

Since 2022, the Qualco Foundation – the non-profit initiative of the Qualco Group – has left its own mark on the effort to achieve social equality and universal access to culture and education. It does not merely aim to preserve cultural heritage, but to bring it closer to people, making it visible, alive and accessible. Its actions focus on the main pillars – Education & Science, Culture, Sports and Social Solidarity – with the shared goal of generating positive social impact and strengthening the notion of giving back. With more than 150 initiatives across Greece and over 10,000 beneficiaries from vulnerable social groups, Qualco Foundation has managed to leave a substantial and lasting mark on society. “Culture is not the privilege of the few; it is the right of all. At Qualco Foundation, we work toward a world where art, knowledge and creative expression are accessible to every young person, wherever they may be,” notes Orestis Tsakalotos, President of Qualco Group and the Qualco Foundation.

Through strategic partnerships with renowned institutions, Qualco Foundation supports cultural initiatives, places strong emphasis on music education, and encourages young artists to create and express themselves.

The “Flagship” Cultural Initiatives

Guided by the belief that the history of Greek music deserves not only recognition but the chance to be heard anew, the Qualco Foundation established the Institute of Greek Music Heritage (IEMK). The mission of IEMK is to safeguard, showcase and disseminate the richness of Greek music. To date, it has organised three concerts, published one book, and produced four research studies exploring the historical and social aspects of Greek music heritage. Its most significant initiative has been the exhibition “I think it’s time we listened… – IEMK at the Ghika Gallery,” co-organised with the Benaki Museum. The exhibition attracted over 4,000 visitors and showcased 12 major musical figures of the 20th century, offering the public the opportunity to rediscover their work up close.

Recognising the importance of the Greek language and the need to preserve and promote it in multilingual and multicultural environments, the Qualco Foundation also initiated the establishment and support of the Greek Language Institute (INEL). INEL aims to preserve the Greek language and culture among the Greek diaspora, as well as to promote and project them globally. Its first major event, the “International Conference on Greek as a Second/Foreign Language and Multilingualism,” was held in Athens on June 5–6.

Let us examine the Foundation’s initiatives to date more closely.

Investing in Music Education

Alongside IEMK, the Qualco Foundation also supports music education through the “Young Musicians” scholarship programme of the Athens Conservatory. Every year, the programme offers 22 scholarships for music studies at the Conservatory for talented children aged 6–12 whose families cannot afford tuition fees. Scholars are selected through auditions, and at the end of each year, a concert is held where the young musicians share their progress and inspire other children to enter the magical world of music.

The Foundation’s work in music education extends to the remote island of Koufonisia through the Koufonisia Classical Music Festival. Throughout the school year, students at the Koufonisia primary school receive piano, guitar, and music theory lessons, both in person and online, and have access to scholarships, equipment, and free instruments through a comprehensive programme that provides them with the same opportunities as children in the city. Every year, they also visit Athens as part of an extensive cultural itinerary. “Art and education go hand in hand. Through music, language, and engaging with creativity, children and young people gain a voice, confidence, and a vision for their future,” adds Orestis Tsakalotos.

Giving Young Artists a Voice

Bringing its vision for supporting new artistic creation to life, the Qualco Foundation sponsored the participation of young Greek artists in the 60th International Art Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia in 2024, allowing them to present their work to a distinguished international audience. Locally, it also supports the International Kids’ Art Contest, organised by the Museum of Cycladic Art, which encourages creative expression among children aged 4–15 and cultivates the next generation of visual artists. “Young creators need freedom, opportunities and support. We stand beside them because we believe the next generation of artists will teach us new ways to see the world,” says Mr Tsakalotos.

Showcasing Cultural Heritage

With a steadfast commitment to culture, the Qualco Foundation collaborates with institutions such as the Elytis House Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Benaki Museum, which co-organised the IEMK exhibition. In particular, Qualco Foundation provided support to the Elytis House Museum during its first three years of operation, recognising the importance of establishing a space dedicated to the memory and work of the great Greek poet. This support allows the implementation of the museum’s educational activities and programmes.

As for the collaboration with the Museum of Cycladic Art, Qualco Foundation supports the Cycladic Identity initiative, which aims to protect the cultural and natural heritage of the Cycladic islands through actions that preserve and promote the elements, traditions and practices of Cycladic identity. Additionally, the Foundation funded the “Cindy Sherman at Cycladic” exhibition, which presented early works by the renowned photographer.

With new goals and a strong vision for the future, Qualco Foundation continues to bring culture closer to younger generations—and beyond—by investing in emerging talents and demonstrating that art can ultimately change our lives for the better.