Special Projects
The Third Space Project
The Third Space Project: an immersive, interdisciplinary initiative that uses art, education, and civic dialogue to spark youth engagement with democratic life. Anchored by ACG’s Demos Center and Frances Rich School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, the project uses as a catalyst its new urban gallery space at the Demos Center —The Third Space Urban Art Gallery—as a launchpad for civic imagination and action.
Exhibitions:
Pause, Fragment, Fold — winter 2025-2026
Material Witnesses — summer 2025
Mama Klorin — winter 2024-2025
Celebrating Democracy Through the Arts
Programs for winter 2025 included:
- Two polyphonic singing groups
- ACG Community Choir performance & lecture
- Concert with two cellos – “Music as a Democratic Process”
“The function of the artist in a disturbed society is to give awareness of the universe, to ask the right questions, and to elevate the mind.”
— Marina Abramovic
“The ancient theater was a tool for democracy. It was a civic endeavor, which also became an artistic endeavor.”
— Marianna Calbari
Voices of Democracy
“A free society cannot exist without an informed public.”
— Noam Chomsky
“Ignorance is the handmaiden of tyranny.
Those who believe in democracy, on the other hand, have been at the forefront of the movement for free, universal public education and for public libraries, museums, and the arts.
They understand that democracy depends on people knowing what’s occurring around them and having the capacity to deliberate critically about it.”
— Professor Robert Reich, University of California, Berkeley
The world faces an unprecedented convergence of crises—political extremism, economic inequality, misinformation, climate change, and forced displacement.
Voices of Democracy is a groundbreaking interview-based video series that bridges the gap between policymakers, civil society, and affected individuals.
More than a media project, it challenges the cycle of exclusion that allows misinformation and fear to dictate policy. By amplifying underrepresented perspectives, it ensures that real people—not just political rhetoric—shape discussions on democracy, governance, and human rights.
Led by UN award-winning Multimedia producer, Fridoon Joinda, the series draws on his firsthand experience of displacement from Kabul to Greece and his years of media advocacy.
The first year will feature 15–20 in-depth episodes, released biweekly for sustained engagement and real-time relevance.
Education Unites Scholarship Program for Refugees / Focus: Human Rights
“Human rights – the language of democracy”
Anne Applebaum
The American College of Greece (ACG) is committed to providing educational opportunities to refugees. The Education Unites scholarship program was launched in 2017 with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Athens in response to the influx of refugees into Greece. Since then, ACG has supported students annually through institutional funding and the generosity of donors, covering tuition, meals, and housing. To date, more than 250 students have benefited from Education Unites.
Students in the program come from a wide range of countries, including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, Jordan, Syria, Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Armenia, and Kurdistan. In spring 2022, ACG expanded the program to offer full-tuition scholarships to Ukrainian students displaced by the Russian invasion. Currently, 44 students are enrolled, and all scholarships are awarded for the full duration of their studies at Deree.
The Education Unites program has deepened its commitment over the years. Our work with vulnerable young people has led to a deeper understanding of their needs. When the program began, only 1–3% of young refugees globally had access to higher education, according to UNHCR. As of 2024, that figure has risen to 7%. UNHCR aims to reach 15% by 2030—and we at Education Unites are determined to contribute to that goal.
The personal transformation of these students is profound. All have expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and the hope it has given them. Their stories reflect a powerful desire to succeed, give back, and build a better world—especially for young people who face the kinds of hardships they’ve endured.
A final goal of Education Unites is to educate host communities. We hope this program helps shift public perception—to recognize the immense talent, resilience, and potential within refugee populations. These students are not just laborers for hotels, kitchens, and construction sites; they are the future’s doctors, professors, engineers, artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, and human rights advocates.
Kali Polis Internship Program for Students
“The one thing we need more than hope is action. Once we start to act, hope is everywhere.”
— Greta Thunberg
The Kali Polis Project is an urban studio semester internship program for Greek undergraduate and graduate students hosted at The Demos Center of The American College of Greece.
Supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy (GCoM), the project provides innovative local solutions to global climate challenges through a city–campus collaboration to co-design and execute urban projects.
Each semester, a small group of students will be hosted at The Demos Center and receive internship academic credits to participate in this innovative urban studio program.
The first two participating municipalities are Kifisia and Elliniko-Argyroupoli—both GCoM signatory cities in the greater Athens region facing increasing climate challenges such as extreme heat, wildfires, and flooding.
Our student interns will work directly with local municipalities on projects which provide young thinkers the opportunity to help complete projects which will make a direct impact on the lives of citizens. We hope to attract more municipalities and more students who have both interest and ideas in several areas, including urban planning, sustainability, public relations, and marketing.