Melina Mercouri's cultural activity and its continuation: Europe-economy and the power of culture

Mr Spyros Mercouris has been Honorary President of the Cultural Capitals and Cultural Months of Europe Network, member of the board of directors of Melina Mercouri foundation and special advisor to the kids of Guernica movement. He has organised innumerous cultural events, symposia and exhibitions of high impact all over the world as well as presented documentaries and lectures on television. He is the brother of the legendary greek figure Melina Mercouri, (1920-1994) known as 'the last greek goddess', former minister of culture in Greece and actress of international acclaim having won the award of best actress in Cannes film festival and been nominated for an academy award, three golden globe awards and two BAFTA awards. Melina Mercouri was the one who conceived and established the 'european capital of culture' institution. She was a strong political activist starting an international campaign during greek military junta despite two terrorist attempts and one assasination attempt against her in Genova and her being deprived of her greek citizenship and contributed to the re-establishment of democracy. She died in 1994 while being in her post as minister of culture and received a state funeral with Prime Minister Honours. Her day of death was announced by UNESCO as international day of culture.