Tsakalof 12 street
45444 Ioannina
Greece
- Heritage
Mekeio Foundation is one of the oldest NGOs in Greece concerning the preservation of traditional crafts and professions including knitting, weaving (loom), as well as modern day textile crafts such as sewing.
Mekeio holds great experience in volunteering and supporting the unprivileged with educational courses on crafts as for the last 110 years it is mainly dedicated to this purpose. The iconic and historical structures of the Foundation are used as a creative space and events venue by several institutions and organizations.
Mekeio is an organization consisting of a 10 members board elected by its 150 members. Its main activities are runned by volunteers and it employs 0-3 stuff members on a temporary basis. Mekeio's budgetary resources reach approximately 15.000-20.000 euro per year collected through courses tuitions, membership fees and donations.
Mekeio Foundation collaborated with the municipality of Ioannina, the University of Ioannina and the Region of Epirus, amongst others.
The purpose of the Foundation is the protection and education of female students and workers in order to ensure a profession, to acquire skills in crafts and practices, through the preservation and dissemination of local traditional crafts contributing to cultural and social development.
Its members are also trying to preserve the historical building the foundation is based on, while unraveling its history.
Mekeio Foundation is currently:
-Offering sewing, knitting and macramé courses
-Conducting arts and crafts workshops Hosting fashion design courses of the Public Vocational School
- Has an approved learning program to TEVA beneficiaries by the Municipality
-Hosts exhibitions & events promoting art
-Performs actions of a charitable nature
- Collaborates with the Municipality of Ioannina, the Region of Epirus & the University of Ioannina
Also hosted:
-Biennale of Western Balkans
-Woman's Day
-European Artistic Craft Days
-Stories from Fabric "Remembering" with the School of Fine Arts of Ioannina & the visual artist Adi Liraz
-Walking performance with DIPETHE Ioannina
Mekeio Foundation can contribute to the Network through the:
-Dissemination of intangible cultural heritage
-Hosting the cooperation of non-profit organizations under the same roof given the great size of its premises ( 1.500m2)
By joining the ALF Network Mekeio Foundation expects to expand its network and participate in a dialogue and exchange with similar organization across the Euromediterranean region.