By Alejandro Papadopoulos
The following report details my enriching experience as a participant in the staff exchange program, which facilitated my visit to Bios Hub in Athens from my creative hub in Barcelona, We Are PAU. The purpose of my trip was to immerse myself in Bios Hub’s dynamic cultural community for a period of four days, exploring how they foster artistic experimentation, engage with local creatives, and organize unconventional events. Throughout my stay, I had the opportunity to observe their cultural programming, participate in discussions with artists and curators, and experience firsthand how Bios contributes to the creative identity of Athens. This report highlights the key moments, cross-cultural exchanges, and professional insights gained during my time at Bios Hub.
Arrival and Welcome:
Upon arriving at Bios Hub, I was warmly welcomed by the team, who immediately made me feel part of their creative ecosystem. The energy of the space was raw, experimental, and alive with artistic dialogue. On my very first evening, I was invited to attend a site-specific performance at Bios, where movement, sound, and digital projections transformed the venue into a completely immersive experience. This first event set the tone for my visit—Bios is not just a space but a catalyst for artistic disruption. Later that night, I joined members of the community for a rooftop gathering overlooking the Acropolis, where conversations about urban transformation, cultural activism, and artistic expression flowed effortlessly. Any initial hesitation I had about integrating into a new space quickly faded, replaced by the excitement of exchanging ideas with some of the most inspiring cultural thinkers and artists in Athens.
Work and Community Integration:
Over the next four days, I had the privilege of shadowing the Bios team, learning about the way they conceptualize and execute cultural productions. Their approach is refreshingly fluid—each project is a mix of research, experimentation, and risk-taking, allowing space for new narratives to emerge. I spent time in their multifunctional spaces, seeing how exhibitions, performances, and workshops coexist under one roof. In one of my most insightful conversations, we discussed how cultural hubs like Bios and We Are PAU navigate funding challenges, community engagement, and advocacy for artists. Their deep involvement in local policy-making and urban cultural development offered a new perspective on how creative hubs can shape not just the artistic landscape, but also social and political discourse.
The staff exchange program between Bios Hub and We Are PAU was an incredibly valuable experience, allowing for an authentic exchange of knowledge, best practices, and artistic vision. This initiative proved that creative hubs, no matter how geographically distant, share common challenges and opportunities that can be tackled through collaboration. I am deeply grateful to Bios Hub’s team for their generosity, openness, and willingness to engage in meaningful discussions about art, activism, and cultural impact. The experience has not only expanded my professional network but also deepened my understanding of how creative communities thrive in different urban landscapes.
