We are a grassroots organization that promotes the fundamental human rights defense through art and education. We strive to put ideas of a true social impact into motion, to empower the less privileged, to tackle inequalities and foster social cohesion.

The Art and Action Network was created and established in Athens, Greece by Elena Karagianni in 2016. An idea born and shaped by a wonderful woman, tutor and artist, who could not remain voiceless in the suffering of the others.

It was the turbulent times of 2015 – 2016, when Greece and Southeastern Europe dealt with unprecedented migration flaws due to the collapse of Syria in the Middle East and after the “spring” in several countries of the Arab world. People with immense vulnerabilities ended up stranded in the heart of the City of Athens, coming from the Aegean islands, and not only, following the dangerous journey of the asylum seeker. It was that time that Elena decided that positive actions should be taken to assist and support the people in need. It was that decision, not to avert her eyes in the suffering of helpless people; the very definition of solidarity. She addressed an open call on social media, to make sure that a team of volunteers would be assembled to visit the homeless people in “Pedion of Areos” (a very popular park in the center of Athens) and provide them with the absolutely essentials (food, water, isotonic drinks and items of first need). Suddenly a bunch of people started to respond and a team of around 20 individuals was gathered to help. When they met, in order to recognize each other, Elena stood with a red balloon near the statue of the “Constantine I”.