The 2nd Symposium “Perspectives on European Animation” will take place on 26 February 2026 at the premises of AKTO College of Arts in Athens, Greece. The event will also be available online, allowing wider access to its discussions. All sessions will be held in Greek, with the exception of George Sifianos’ lecture, which will be delivered in English.
Organised within the framework of the FAN – Festivals Animation Network, the symposium continues its mission to foster dialogue, collaboration and knowledge exchange across the European animation landscape. This year’s edition, titled “Masters and New Voices in Greek Animation,” brings together distinguished scholars, educators and emerging creators to reflect on artistic practice, education and new perspectives shaping the field.
The programme opens with a presentation by Maria Anestopoulou, Festival Director of ANIMASYROS International Animation Festival, who will introduce the FAN Network as an active European ecosystem of festival collaboration. Her address will highlight opportunities for mobility, co-productions and professional exchange, while underlining the importance of cultural networks in building a more connected and sustainable future for animation. The presentation will also emphasise the collaboration with AKTO College of Art & Design and its contribution to strengthening animation education and professional pathways.
The keynote lecture, “Kitsch in Animation,” will be delivered by George Sifianos, Director and Professor Emeritus of Animation Cinema at ENSAD Paris. Drawing on decades of artistic and academic experience, Sifianos will examine the aesthetic, cultural and political dimensions of kitsch in animated cinema, exploring its dual role as both stylistic device and critical tool.
Following a short break, Eleni Mouri and Anastasia Dimitra will present the session “Education as the Foundation for Animation Development: From Academic Research to Professional Practice.” Their discussion will focus on how academic research, structured training and industry collaboration contribute to sustainable creative ecosystems and support the professional development of emerging talent.
The symposium will conclude with “New Female Voices in Animation: From the Classroom to Creation,” a roundtable featuring Anna Oikonomou, Nefeli Spiliotakou, Dimitra Papaefthymiou, and Alexandra Mavroeidakou. The discussion will spotlight the experiences of a new generation of women creators in Greek animation, addressing themes of mentorship, authorship and representation as they transition from educational environments to independent artistic practice.
The event is co-funded by the Creative Europe MEDIA Programme, reinforcing FAN’s commitment to strengthening collaboration, professional development, and cultural exchange across the European animation community.
