The pioneering large-scale cultural initiative POIITIKOI DROMOI (Poetic Paths), organised by KALLIERGON syn in Kalamata, took place from 11 October to 15 November 2025. Admission and participation were free and open to everyone.

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was a large-scale participatory cultural initiative that brought poetry beyond its traditional spaces of expression and into the public realm and everyday life. Through an immersive exploration of the city, participants were encouraged to engage with their surroundings through art while fostering a deeper appreciation of reading and contemporary Greek literary creation.

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The initiative was conceived by visual artist and KALLIERGON syn co-founder Vasiliki Kateri and developed around the belief that culture reaches its greatest potential when it is created collectively and experienced together.

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POIITIKOI DROMOI evolved into a vibrant process of cultural exchange, shaped by the people themselves. It was founded on the belief that each of us is an integral part of the world we share. The KALLIERGON syn team created the conditions for a large-scale participatory cultural experience in places where art rarely finds its way into everyday life. The initiative unfolded as a collective canvas on which everyone was invited to leave their own creative mark.

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The project offered a unique opportunity to cultivate creativity and cultural awareness while promoting collaboration, inclusion and meaningful human interaction. It revealed new ways of connecting culture with thematic tourism and the local economy. By integrating poetry into everyday life, it strengthened the cultural identity of the region and opened new avenues for artistic expression. Poetry became accessible to broader audiences with little or no previous engagement, while demonstrating in an innovative and practical way the dynamic relationship between art, communication and entrepreneurship.

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ated section brought together organisations and individuals from abroad—primarily Philhellenes and members of the Greek diaspora—who contributed knowledge, experiences and cultural narratives related to the poets and poetic traditions of their own communities. Through these collaborations, POIITIKOI DROMOI became a bridge between cultures, while participants served as ambassadors of Greek literature, contributing to the development of an international network for the exchange of ideas and cultural narratives. Together, they fostered a growing global community united by the art of poetry, the Greek language and a shared cultural identity.

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The initiative was held under the auspices and with the support of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, the Holy Metropolis of Messinia, and the Municipality of Kalamata, with additional support from the Community of Kalamata, in collaboration with the Messinia Chamber of Commerce. ERT Kalamata and ERT3 served as media supporters, while local media outlets, associations and educational institutions also contributed to the success of the initiative. The project's major sponsor was UHU.​

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Poetry knocked on the city's doors—and the city responded.

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Centred on poetry, the initiative was originally conceived in March 2020 in Kalamata by Kalliergon, the predecessor of today's KALLIERGON syn. Its first planned implementation was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea remained alive, continued to evolve and gradually matured until its successful realisation in 2025. 

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Further information about the project's journey and evolution remains available through our YouTube channel.