MOMus-Thessaloniki Museum of Photography
The mission of MOMus-Thessaloniki Museum of Photography is the study and promotion of photography and the cultivation, familiarization and education of the public in contemporary and earlier trends of the art. Its archives and collection comprise approximately 120.000 negatives and photographic objects from 1890-2024, including the archives of Yiannis Stylianou, Socrates Iordanidis and Dimitris Letsios. The institution also functions as a depository for the Greek part of the Fred Boissonnas archive.
Describe the practice, program, or project, what innovative approach is proposed, and in which core museum activities it applies: conservation, education, collection, exhibition programs, publications, research, accessibility, communication, governance, and sustainability. (max. 300 words)
The "Memories in Frames" program organized by MOMus-Thessaloniki Museum of Photography, Greece, is an innovative initiative that engages elderly participants in exploring and sharing their personal histories through the medium of photography. The program aims to foster physical activation, enhance articulation skills, and encourage intergenerational dialogue. Participants, aged 65–85, brought in family photos and used the photovoice method to share stories related to their images, culminating in a public performance that brought their memories to life.
The innovation of this program lies in the combination of storytelling, physical activation, and performance art to create a meaningful cultural experience for older adults. The integration of photovoice as a storytelling tool empowers participants to narrate their personal histories, making the process both therapeutic and participatory. Furthermore, the program’s transformation of these stories into a public performance represents a creative approach to sharing lived experiences in a museum setting, thus challenging traditional exhibition formats.
This program touches on several core museum activities:
• Education: By facilitating learning through personal storytelling and creative expression, the program serves as an educational tool for participants and the audience.
• Exhibition Programs: The final performance is presented as an exhibition of lived memories, breaking the boundaries of typical museum displays.
• Communication & Accessibility: The digital dissemination of stories via social media platforms extends the reach of the program, ensuring accessibility to a broader audience.
• Sustainability: The project has long-term impact through its digital archives, offering sustained access to the stories and creating lasting engagement with the community.
Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.
The "Memories in Frames" program is outstanding because it creatively combines personal storytelling, physical activation, and performance art, fostering intergenerational dialogue and providing a unique model for engaging communities with modern and contemporary art museums in an accessible and meaningful way.
Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.
The "Memories in Frames" program is relevant and sustainable as it creates meaningful connections by empowering participants to share their personal histories through photography and performance, fostering a sense of agency and belonging. The program bridges generational gaps and brings attention to the often-overlooked voices of older adults. By incorporating digital platforms, such as social media, the stories reach a broader audience, extending the program’s impact beyond the immediate participants and museum space. This long-term accessibility ensures the preservation of the stories, making them available for future generations. Furthermore, the program aligns with the museum's mission to engage diverse audiences, emphasizing inclusivity, creativity, and community-driven experiences. It offers a model for museums to build lasting, impactful relationships with local communities while contributing to the broader cultural landscape.
What are the outcomes of the practice you are most proud of?
The outcomes of the "Memories in Frames" program that I am most proud of include the deep personal connections forged between participants and their communities through the sharing of intimate family stories. The program empowered elderly participants to take an active role in telling their stories, fostering a sense of pride and visibility. The final public performance was a powerful demonstration of how personal history can resonate universally, engaging an audience of diverse ages. Additionally, the program’s digital documentation and dissemination on social media have ensured lasting access to these stories, allowing them to live beyond the event. The cross-generational dialogue it sparked and the lasting relationships built between participants, the museum, and the broader community are particularly gratifying. This program has proven that museums can be spaces for empowerment, creativity, and long-term impact.
How has the nominated practice changed your methods and ways of working?
The "Memories in Frames" program has significantly influenced my methods by highlighting the power of participatory, community-driven practices in museum contexts. It has reinforced the value of creating spaces for personal storytelling and intergenerational exchange, showing how art can be used as a tool for social connection and empowerment. I have learned the importance of blending different media—photography, performance, and digital platforms—to engage diverse audiences and ensure the longevity of the project’s impact. The program has also encouraged me to embrace flexibility in program design, allowing participants to shape their own narratives and contribute actively to the process. This experience has deepened my commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and long-term engagement, helping me approach future projects with a more holistic and people-centered mindset.
https://www.momus.gr/en/events/anamniseis-sekadro-afthartes-anamniseis-apo-fthartesfotografies-gamoy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggI4WttKsDQ&ab_ channel=MOMusMuseums