The OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Opening Ceremony was held on October 5th at the Zappeion, Athens, Greece. OLYMP'ARTS is a world-class artistic festival and celebration organized every four years and opens to artists from all over the world. The theme of OLYMP'ARTS 2023 is “environment, climate and energy”, which is closely related to Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

The Zappeion in Athens, Greece where OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Was Held

OLYMP'ARTS 2023: An Artistic Event of Shared Expectations

OLYMP'ARTS 2023 invited Mr. Lang Lang, the famous international pianist, to serve as the Goodwill Ambassador, gaining recommendations from almost a hundred artists globally. The event was hosted by World Olymp'Arts Council, organized by OLYMP'ARTS 2023 organizing committee, coordinated by the World Philharmonic Orchestra (France), the International Joint Initiatives ASBL (Belgium), and ARTLAB International Art Laboratory (Italy), and specially supported by Athens Conservatoire.

The OLYMP'ARTS is created to take up the artistic competitions that had been initiated in ancient Greece, in 566 BC. The World Olymp'Arts Council (WOAC), as the executive body of OLYMP'ARTS, adheres to values of universality, beauty, aesthetic, harmony, and non-violence. The main goal of OLYMP'ARTS is to show the main role of art in building a better world and to fulfill the mission of “Let's light up the world with art!”

Opening Ceremony: Tracing Back Ancient Greek Art, and Responding to Modern Olympics Spirit

OLYMP'ARTS 2023 was set in the Zappeion in Athens, Greece, as its venue with the intention of tracing, commemorating, inheriting, and advancing. Ancient Olympics originated in Athens, Greece, while modern Olympics started at the Zappeion. In order to revive Olympic Games, Evangelos Zappas invested in the building of this modern sports hall with revival style. Choosing Zappeion to hold the first OLYMP'ARTS is because this neoclassical-style building symbolizes the aspirations for the better development of art in the 21st century.

On the morning of October 5th, Greek time, the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 was kicked off by presenting a video of the Holy Spring Collection Ceremony in Delphi, created by American director Mr. Derek Brown and his team, documenting the entire process of the Holy Spring Collection Ceremony, including the collection of holy water, its transmission, and its merging into the sea. The holy spring collected from Delphi is passed on by the Greek high priestess of Athens to six children representing the six continents. They then travelled to their respective continents, merging the water into the four oceans. Through the connection of water, OLYMP'ARTS' faith of “Arts connect the world” was symbolized and elevated. It's worth mentioning that the container used for collecting the holy spring was collaboratively created by Ms. Min Gao, founder of Beijing Xingneng Foundation, Olympic diving champion, and Olympic artist of WOAC, Mr. Changxin Zhou, a painter and the China Regional President of OLYMP'ARTS 2023, and Mr. Minqi Fan, a master of Chinese ceramic art. This collaboration bridges the artistry of over 1,800 years of Jingdezhen ceramics from China and the artistry of the Olympic Games, which spans nearly 3,000 years.

The Scene of OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Playing the Video of Holy Spring Collection Ceremony

At exactly 10:30 AM, the OLYMP'ARTS flag rose slowly accompanied by the OLYMP'ARTS anthem. The emblem on the flag consists of six stars, each of different colors, symbolizing the vibrant and diverse world of art, and art represents the essence of human spirit and thought. The six stars represent artists from the six continents. The emblem, shaped like a pyramid that rises toward the sky, signifies the source of inspiration for artists while also denotes Mount Olympus. The topmost star represents Antarctica, a continent composed mainly of ice and water, and a vital natural reserve on Earth that must be protected, which aligns with the concept of community with a shared future for mankind. The OLYMP'ARTS anthem, presented for the first time, was composed by Mr. Philippos Tsalahouris, the Principal of the Athens Conservatoire. A choir, personally curated by him, performed the anthem. Written in Greek, the anthem pays homage to the glory of ancient Greece, accompanying a distant melody.

The Choir of Athens Conservatoire Singing the OLYMP'ARTS Anthem 

Guest Contributions: A Shared Message for OLYMP'ARTS

Ying Wang, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Greece, and Ren Ren, the Director of Chinese Cultural Center in Athens were invited to attend OLYMP'ARTS 2023. Artists invited to the event were: Derek Brown, director and producer; Xikun Yuan, the first “Patron for Arts and Environmental “of UNEP and sculptor; Wallace Chan, jewellery artist and visual artist; and Francisco Córdoba, Italian famous artist. Representatives from art institutions were: Kees van Oostrum, Former President of the American Society of Cinematographers; Paul Thompson, Vice Chancellor of Royal College of Art; Philippos Tsalahouris, Principal of Athens Conservatoire and Academician of Athens Conservatoire; Giuseppe La Bruna, Director of Academy of Fine Arts in Venice; Nicola Guerini, Director of Milano Fashion Institute; Pu Zhao, Former host of China Central Television and Founder of World Artisans Conference; Orietta Pelizzari, Director of Milano Fashion Institute; Andre Zlattinger, Deputy Chairman of Sotheb's and Director of the Modern and Post-War British Art Department; Dalia Gallico, President of the Lombardy Industrial Design Association and Rome's University of San Raffaele's Remote Communication; and Rebecca Preston, Director of Development and Alumni Relations of Royal College of Art. Government officials and institutions representatives were: Christos Papoutzis, Former European Commission Member and Member of Parliament, and Giulio Meduri, Former President of AIDA. Entrepreneur representatives were: Stelios Papadopoulos, Director of Global Innovation Center at J.P. Morgan in Greece; Karl-Henry Edstrom, CEO of Robb Report; Leon Lin, Managing Director of Greater China of BMG; Jipeng Liu, Senior Manager of Digital Cooperation of BMG; George Economou, CEO of DryShips Inc. & Ocean Rig; Nicolaos Chaidemenos, Founder of Militos editions; Stefano Zanella, Founder of X Regio taylor; and Sara DelBene, Founder of Well- Being ART Work. Representatives of WOAC were: Marc Verrier, Founding President of the World Olymp'Arts Council; Rachel Qin, Executive President of the World Olymp'Arts Council; Michele Genovese, President of WOAC Advisory Committee; Ruiguang Wang, Executive President of WOAC Youth Committee, and Xufang Zhu, Vice President of WOAC Youth Committee; President of the Bridge Art Committee of WOAC; and international media representatives, members of WOAC and artist representatives from all over the world. Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President of the World Olymp'Arts Council, delivered the opening welcome speech. Dr. Paul Thompson, the Vice Chancellor of the Royal College of Art in the United Kingdom, provided an update on the collaboration between the Royal College of Art and OLYMP'ARTS and offered his blessings. Ms. Rachel Qin, the Executive President of WOAC, delivered appreciation speech and our guests shared their best wishes to the OLYMP'ARTS 2023.

Mr. Marc Verriere, the Founding President of WOAC, Delivering the Welcome Speech for WOAC

Dr. Paul Thompson, the Vice Chancellor of the Royal College of Art, Delivering Keynote Speech

Ms. Rachel Qin, the Executive President of WOAC, Delivering Appreciation Speech

Renowned artist Mr. Xikun Yuan is often hailed as a “diplomat of portraiture” who has created sculptures for hundreds of world celebrities. He has been using art to advocate for environmental protection for a long time. Practicing the theme “environment, climate, and energy” of OLYMP'ARTS 2023, he created sculptures URGENCY IN THE POLAR REGION and PATRON SAINT OF FOREST – TIGER, and he made the sculpture SKY-PATCHING CHINESE GODDESS NVWA for “Sky-Hole-Patching” project of UNEP, which made him the first artist with the title “Patron for Arts and Environmental” by UNEP. During the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Xikun Yuan donated his work “NVWA” to the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 to show his support for the first edition of OLYMP'ARTS and its endeavors. The sculpture “NVWA” will be cherished and collected by WOAC and it will be put on the court of WOAC headquarter in Switzerland.

Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President of WOAC Accepting the Donation from Sculptor Mr. Xikun Yuan

Art Exhibition: Witnessing the Global Art Ecology Unite in Creations

On the morning of October 5th, Greek time, alongside the opening ceremony, the thematic exhibition “RENEWAL: Journey through Time and Space” was unveiled. It interpreted how OLYMP'ARTS once again takes center stage in history, continuing to play an indispensable global role. Equally important, as society and various industries rose anew after the pandemic, the field of art is also poised for a resurgence, and the OLYMP'ARTS is expected to usher in a new era of recovery and prosperity. Artworks by prominent artists such as Mr. Giuseppe La Bruna, the Director of the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, sculptor Mr. Xikun Yuan, jewellery artist and visual artist Mr. Wallace Chan, and emerging Nigerian painter Mr. Bolaji Ogunwo are featured in the exhibition. The exhibition was organized into sections titled “Eastern Charm,” “Western Classics,” “African Allure,” and “Asian Inspiration.” There were brush strokes and digital compositions, and ink flowing and oil colors covering canvas—this is not just a story about art but also about the dimensions of time and space within art.

Art Forum: Focusing on Environment and Technology in the Context of Art

In the afternoon of October 5th, Greek time, the “Environment and Technology” themed forum was held. Invited guests included: Kees van Oostrum, Former President of the American Society of Cinematographers; Paul Thompson, Vice Chancellor of Royal College of Art; Nicola Guerini, Director of Milano Fashion Institute; Pu Zhao, Former host of China Central Television and Founder of World Artisans Conference; Andre Zlattinger, Deputy Chairman of Sotheby's and Director of the Modern and Post-War British Art Department; Christos Papoutzis, Former European Commission Member and Member of Parliament; and Stelios Papadopoulos, Director of Global Innovation Center at J.P. Morgan in Greece.

Under the three major themes of “the Profound Significance of the Revival of OLYMP'ARTS,” “the Infinite Intersection of Art and Technology in the New Era,” and “Art of Eco-Consciousness,” the forum featured keynote speeches, roundtable discussions, and participant interactions. It collectively explored and researched OLYMP'ARTS, serving as a global dialogue platform to promote cultural and artistic exchange and cooperation.

Charity Dinner: Honoring Past Glory, Anticipating a Brilliant Future

In the evening of October 5th, Greek time, the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Opening Ceremony Charity Dinner was kicked off. Attendants entered the banquet hall immersed in new media and digital art.

As a special feature of the awards dinner, young musicians Jiadi Pei (clarinet), Wenqiao Jiang (piano), Xinle Zhu (cello), Lan Cao (viola), and Yiqing Fu (violin) performed the classical orchestral piece “Shanshui” (Landscape) together. This composition was specially created for the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 by the renowned Chinese composer and educator Mr. Mingxin Du, who was already 95 years old. Famous artist Francisco Córdoba and Founder of Well- Being ART Work Sara Del Bene also presented unique musical instrument.

Orchestral Performance Shanshui by Young Musicians

As the most significant segment of the dinner, the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 presented five prestigious awards: Environmental Cultural Promoter Award, Outstanding Contribution Award, Artistic Luminary Award, Artistic Design Master Award, and Hexastar Brilliance Honor. These awards aimed to recognize individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to the field of art. The sculptor Mr. Xikun Yuan won the Environmental Cultural Promoter Award, the director and producer Mr. Derek Brown won the Outstanding Contribution Award, the Vice Chancellor of the Royal College of Art Dr. Paul Thompson won the Artistic Luminary Award, jewellery artist and visual artist Mr. Wallace Chan won the Artistic Design Master Award, and Principal of Athens Conservatoire and Academician of Athens Conservatoire Mr. Philippos Tsalahouris won the Hexastar Brilliance Honor. Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President of WOAC and Ms. Rachel Qin, the Executive President of WOAC presented certificates to the container creation and artistic team of Holy Spring Collection Ceremony and OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Messengers. Mr. Marc, along with Mr. Pu Zhao, the Founder of World Artisans Conference invited all of the guests to attend OLYMP’ARTS World Artisans Conference. OLYMP'ARTS 2023 finished perfectly within the happy atmosphere. 

Mr. Derek Brown Won the Outstanding Contribution Award

the Vice Chancellor of the Royal College of Art Dr. Paul Thompson Won the Artistic Luminary Award

Jewellery Artist and Visual Artist Mr. Wallace Chan Won the Artistic Design Master Award

Principal of Athens Conservatoire and Academician of Athens Conservatoire Mr. Philippos Tsalahouris Won the Hexastar Brilliance Honor 

Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President of WOAC Awarded Holy Spring Collection Ceremony Container Creation Team Representative Chinese Painter Mr. Changxin Zhou the Certificate

Ms. Rachel Qin, the Executive President of WOAC Presented Certificates to the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 Messengers

Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President of WOAC, and Mr. Pu Zhao, the Founder of World Artisans Conference

Mutual Expectations: A Brighter Future for OLYMP'ARTS

Ms. Rachel Qin, the Executive President of the World Olymp'Arts Council, delivered a speech titled “Art and Its Relevance to Every Dream of Ours.” She mentioned, “Art is instinctual; we create art because it's as essential to us as breathing. Art is self-sustaining; we enjoy art just as we need sunlight and rain, and growth and transformation. Art is a kind of responsibility; we promote art with the aim of building bridges that connect the world through it.” She openly expressed that art is a grand aspiration. Her hope for art today is that, like all glorious histories and creations, it remains in the history of art and humanity. She wants the present in art creation to not be a mere blank, not appear somewhat thin for the future. Additionally, Ms. Qin, as the Executive President of WOAC, officially announced that the OLYMP'ARTS 2027 will meet us on time. She stated, “There will surely be more destinations ahead, and as long as art accompanies us, our dreams will always be alive.”

The OLYMP'ARTS founding conference took place in 1995 at the headquarters of UNESCO in Paris, France. It was initiated by Mr. Marc Verrier, the Founding President, and received support from the United Nations, UNESCO, and the 1994 Centennial Congress of the International Olympic Committee held in Paris. Ministers, ambassadors, representatives from international organizations, and others from 65 countries and regions collectively signed the “Founding Charter.” The successful hosting of the OLYMP'ARTS 2023 marks a milestone in OLYMP'ARTS' history since its foundation. As stated in the speech by Ms. Qin: “There will surely be more destinations ahead.” We look forward to the next exciting chapter of OLYMP'ARTS.