A unique, people-centered exhibition that brings real-life stories to the forefront—transforming objects into storytellers—opens today, Tuesday, at the Benaki Museum (Pireos Street Annexe).

Titled “Africa Among Us,” the exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the rich cultural heritage of the African continent.

A Multifaceted Narrative of African Identity

The exhibition features personal stories from people of African descent who were born or live in Greece, as well as Greeks who have lived in African countries. These narratives are interwoven with artistic creations, museum artifacts, archival materials, and audiovisual content, offering visitors two ways to experience the exhibition:

1. Through the people—starting with their personal journeys and connections to Africa
2. Through the exhibits—letting the objects reveal their own layered histories

Unlike traditional African art exhibitions, “Africa Among Us” is not just about showcasing artistic expression from a specific place. Instead, it aims to highlight the diverse cultural identities of those linked to Africa in any way.

This is why the exhibition is complemented by more than 30 parallel events, including:

• Performances
• Guided tours
• Music events
• Workshops
• Discussions
• A pop-up exhibition featuring African-descended artists active in Greece

Co-Creation at the Core

To ensure an authentic and inclusive perspective, the curators collaborated directly with members of African communities in Greece, forming an Advisory Committee of first- and second-generation African Greeks. These members actively contributed by discussing the meaning, history, and personal memories tied to the exhibition’s objects.

Curator Sophia Chandaka explains:
“Co-creation has been central to this exhibition from its inception. Engaging with the community takes time and requires the curator to rethink their approach—to ‘unlearn’ certain curatorial habits and instead act as a mediator, fostering a space where multiple voices and perspectives are equally valued.”

Curator Michalis Afolayan adds:
“We wanted to tell some of the stories of the Black diaspora in Greece—stories that highlight the resilience of the human spirit and the universal quest for a better life. The objects in the exhibition carry their own history, but they also awaken memories and tell a parallel, living story. These oral traditions reveal elements of identity and take us on a journey to the Africa that exists among us.”

Beyond Art: Addressing Contemporary Issues

The exhibition also engages with pressing social topics, including:

• Racism
• Racial discrimination
• Justice
• Citizenship
• Greek identity and inclusivity

Most objects in the exhibition come from the collection of John Phillipson, a Greek-Canadian mining engineer, geologist, and poet, who lived and worked in Africa. Following his passing in 2015, his collection was donated to the Benaki Museum.

Other key contributors include:

• The Greek Forum of Migrants
• The oral history project “Our Stories” (ourstories.gr)
• Anthropologist Antonis Chaldeos (University of Johannesburg)
• British Museum curator Zoe Cormack
• Musician MC Yinka, who composed an original soundscape featuring speeches, vocals, and music from African-descended artists in Greece

Visitors can also listen to narrations by Afro-Greek artists—including MC Yinka, Jerome Kaluta, Idra Kayne, Xenia Dania, Black Morris (Kevin Ansong), Anna Paspati, Adedeji Adetayo, and Ladele (Maria Landele)—via QR codes linking to the ERTecho platform.

Parallel Events

Saturday, February 22, 2025 – 17:00 | Benaki Museum Amphitheater, Pireos 138

BLACK HISTORY MONTH & I HAVE A DREAM
A historical discussion on citizenship rights in Greece, inspired by the “Africa Among Us” exhibition. The conversation will focus on the campaign “No to Racism from the Cradle”, launched in 2005 to advocate for the rights of migrant children in Greece.

Friday, February 28, 2025 – 19:00 | Discussion

Afro Link Up: Our Stories, Our Identity
A storytelling and community dialogue event dedicated to second-generation Africans in Greece. Participants will share personal stories and memories tied to objects in the exhibition, forming a collective “storytelling memoir.” The event will be followed by an Afro Party with DJ Tony.

Saturday, March 8, 2025 – 18:00 | Gospel Music at the Benaki Museum

A live performance by Royal Accord Gospel Singers, a Nigerian-rooted gospel choir based in Greece, exploring the connections between spirituals, blues, and jazz.

Friday, March 14, 2025 – 17:00 | Performance: “The Skies Change Like Promises”

A dramatic performance exploring migration as both a human necessity and a universal experience.
Performed by Michalis Afolayan, with three 20-minute shows daily.

Saturday, March 15 & March 29, 2025 – 12:00 | Street Event in Kypseli

The ANASA Cultural Center presents a public arts showcase, bringing music, dance, and theater performances to the streets of Kypseli, celebrating African heritage in Greece.

Thursday, March 20, 2025 – 18:30 | Screening: George Bizos – ICON

A documentary on the life and legacy of human rights lawyer George Bizos, a key figure in the anti-apartheid movement and close friend of Nelson Mandela. Discussion panel to follow.

Friday, March 28, 2025 – 18:30 | Discussion on African Entrepreneurship

A forum organized by the Hellenic-African Chamber of Commerce, exploring business and trade relations between Greece and Africa.

Guided Tours & Educational Programs

Guided tours in Greek and English will be available throughout the exhibition, led by both curators and members of the African community.

First scheduled tours:

• Sunday, February 16, 2025 – 12:00
• Sunday, February 23, 2025 – 12:00
• Saturday, March 1, 2025 – 12:00
• Sunday, March 2, 2025 – 12:00
• Sunday, March 16, 2025 – 12:00

Additionally, educational programs for children and accessibility initiatives for visitors with visual impairments will be offered.

Exhibition Hours

📍 Benaki Museum, Pireos 138

• Thursday & Sunday: 10:00 – 18:00
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 – 22:00
• Monday to Wednesday: Closed

This groundbreaking exhibition bridges cultures, voices, and histories, fostering a deeper understanding of African identity and heritage in Greece.