Art and democracy: A New York Times-Costa Navarino forum
Is the existence of democracy a prerequisite for art to flourish? Set in an olive grove at the Costa Navarino resort in Messinia, Peloponnese, the "Art & Democracy Forum" brought together a diverse group of thinkers and speakers for a discussion on the relationship between creativity and freedom throughout history.
"The beauty of democracy is that it allows everybody to reach their potential," noted acclaimed American artist Jeff Koons. "The most recent body of art I created was called 'Antiquity,' and I was making a reference to the great painters and sculptors of antiquity. I love Greece and its history," he added.
Koons participated in an interactive panel discussion alongside Nobel Prize-winner for economics Paul Krugman, a conversation chaired by Serge Schmemann, member of the editorial board of The New York Times.
"Greece, the birthplace of democracy, is the ideal location to set up a permanent forum for exchanging ideas and discussions on democracy," said Krugman.
Held on September 12, the event was organized by the International New York Times and Costa Navarino, ahead of the International New York Times Athens Democracy Forum, which takes place in the Greek capital September 13-15.
For more information, visit athensdemocracyforum.com.
