Agatha Kalisperas – The woman behind the Hellenic Center in London
The ultimate recognition for her life achievement, inspiration, devotion and precision came in 2015, when Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth conferred the British Empire Medal (Civil Division) to Mrs. Agatha Kalisperas. For the last 23 years, she has been the woman behind the Hellenic Center, an “open” home for Greeks and philhellenes in London, who love Greek history, culture and language. With passion and dedication, along with her team, she promotes the values and ethos of ancient and modern Greece.
Last year, you celebrated your 25-year anniversary and you’ve been here from the start. How does it feel?
I was not very much involved at the beginning, but I became director in 1997. We have a very rich programme of cultural activities, lectures, exhibitions, concerts, children’s event, and many other; in order to achieve this, we raise money by hiring our facilities for conferences and corporate events. I am extremely pleased that we have managed to complete 25 years under difficult circumstances as we do not have any substantial support from any government. We are a unique, Not-For- Profit, independent, cultural organisation.
Over the years, is there something memorable that has happened that you can share with us?
Over the years we had amazing lectures, theatre plays and music concerts, but the most important thing that we will always remember is that on 24 March 2011 the Hellenic Centre was presented with an award by the Athens Academy in recognition of its work in the promotion of Hellenic Culture.
You live and work in Britain for a long time and at an organisation that is at the forefront, promoting our history and culture locally. How does the British public respond to our culture?
I am very pleased to say that the British public really likes our culture, our ancient history, our philosophy, and our music. Most of our events are in English and there are very popular to the British Public. In addition, we have over 350 adult students from over 35 ethnic backgrounds, who attend our Greek language courses and who also take part at our cultural events.
Next year we are celebrating the 200 years from the Greek Revolution of 1821. What activities are you planning?
A group of British academics and others are organising 21 events for 2021 and some of these will take part at the Hellenic Centre. The Programme is not finalized yet, of course but we hope that in summer we will have all the information.
What is your wish for the next 25 years of the Hellenic Centre?
I wish that our future generations will build on what we have already achieved and make it even better. I wish that more people will become members and we will have more donations, sponsorships and support. Our centre will still be a welcoming home for people of different backgrounds, who have in common their love for the Hellenic culture.
