ENVIRONMENT

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Initiative

Ocean Aware through Artivism

Ocean Aware through Artivism
SUBMITTED FROM:

Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association (HELMEPA)

For four decades, HELMEPA has been a leader in the protection of the marine and coastal environment, safety at sea and sustainability, with multidimensional activity in Greece and abroad. HELMEPA has evolved into an open, resilient and participatory platform that cultivates environmental awareness, knowledge share, volunteering, collaboration and action with positive and measurable impact on marine health.

 

Through a participatory network of communities, 255,000+ volunteers have organized cleanup activities, 450,000+ children have visited HELMEPA’s environmental exhibitions, and many have grown up with the message of the iconic Seagull. HELMEPA has a Certified Maritime Training Center, equipped with a Bridge Simulator that has trained 22,000+ seafarers-members.

 

2022 is a milestone year HELMEPA celebrating its 40th anniversary since the Association’s founding with 40 anniversary activities in Greece.


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Objective Action

The “Ocean Aware through Artivism” initiative aims to amplify the voice of the next generation through the transformative power of art, using creative expression as a vehicle for awareness, social engagement, and change. At its heart, the initiative seeks to nurture environmental consciousness in children and young people, inspiring them to appreciate the ocean’s vital role in life on Earth, reflect on the pressing environmental challenges of our time, and become active ambassadors for a sustainable future.

 

Target Audience

Ocean Aware through Artivism engages students from kindergartens, primary and secondary schools across Greece, as well as higher education students in the Attica region.

 

Duration

The competitions run for two months, and the exhibition is held for two weeks per year.


Description

HELMEPA organizes two annual art competitions: one for kindergarten and primary school students (group projects) and one for junior and senior high school students (individual projects). In 2024, the themes were “Don’t fall for it! We Can Save Our Seas” and “I Love Sea”. The selected artworks were featured in the collective exhibition “Ocean Aware through Artivism”, curated by Bonhams (ArtExpertise).

The exhibition took place over two weeks in May 2024 at the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall, Plaka, Athens, sending a powerful message about protecting our seas through the creativity of young people. The schools that visited the exhibition, participated in interactive sessions and discussions on:

  • the role of oceans for life,
  • marine pollution,
  • climate change,
  • the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The artworks were also showcased at Posidonia 2024, delivering a striking visual call to action, powered by youth creativity. The exhibition also hosted the 30th & 31st Annual Meetings of HELMEPA Junior representatives, where the most active groups were awarded and shared messages on environmental protection.

All submissions were exhibited, and competition committees, including art experts and HELMEPA partners, selected the winners. The three first-prize works from the kindergarten and primary school category were turned into posters distributed nationwide. The artwork of a primary school student featured on HELMEPA’s new reusable bag, while the winning secondary school artwork adorned HELMEPA’s new thermos.

For the first time, such a large-scale and diverse artistic initiative for the ocean, led entirely by children and youth, captured public attention. The overwhelming success inspired a repeat edition in 2025, with even greater participation. The new themes were: “Posidonia Meadows: Our Underwater Forests” for younger children, and “Endless Blue: The World Yet to Discover” for older students, continuing to spark imagination, creativity, and a deep connection to the sea.


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Impact on Society

The “Ocean Aware through Artivism” initiative, implemented in 2024 and 2025, had a significant impact on students and educators, strengthening environmental awareness through art.

  • Over 2,300 group and individual artworks by 20,000 children aged 5 to 18 were presented to the wider public. For nearly all participants, it was their first group exhibition.
  • More than 1,000 students and 200 educators visited the exhibitions, enhancing their environmental awareness through art, while educators were provided with opportunities to use art as a teaching tool for marine conservation.
  • The exhibitions served as platforms for expression and creativity, reinforcing ocean literacy and empathy for the marine environment.
  • Winners of the competitions saw their artworks featured on awareness-raising products aimed at reducing single-use plastics (thermoses, reusable bags) and turned into posters, strengthening their sense of participation and recognition.


Initiative Location

The art competitions reach children and youth nationwide, while the exhibition takes place in Athens.


Working with Organization

HELMEPA’s initiative “Ocean Aware through Artivism”, implemented in 2024 and 2025, could not have been realized without the generous support and collaboration of key partners. Each contributed in their unique way, bringing to life a project that highlighted the power of art and collective effort in protecting the marine environment.

The Stelios Philanthropic Foundation hosted the exhibition in the Stelios Foundation Conference Hall both years and provided financial support, serving as a cornerstone of the initiative’s success.

BlueCycle added a distinctive touch to the exhibition space, providing furniture crafted from marine plastic waste, demonstrating in practice how discarded materials can be transformed into objects of aesthetic value.

Bonhams / ArtExpertise professionally curated the exhibition, ensuring that the students’ artworks were presented with the care and respect they deserved.

Costamare Shipping CO. S.A. has long supported the recognition of the most active  HELMEPA Junior representatives, bringing joy and pride to the young volunteers for their efforts to protect the marine environment.

Katradis Marine Ropes contributed to the exhibition design by supplying ropes, adding an authentic nautical touch to the atmosphere of the events.

Knowl enhanced the educational dimension in 2025 by offering the workshop “Strengths & Soft Skills: Your Competitive Edge!”, giving young participants the opportunity to discover and leverage their personal strengths.

Through this collaboration of partners united by a shared vision, Ocean Aware through Artivism demonstrated that when we join forces, we can create meaningful experiences that inspire society and promote environmental stewardship.


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Workers Participation

Beyond HELMEPA staff, volunteer, teachers also guide kindergarten and primary school students in creating their artworks. Distinguished artists and HELMEPA partners also volunteer as members of the competition evaluation committees.

The first evaluation committee for the kindergarten and primary school competition consisted of: 1) Stavros Georgiadis, Cartoonist and Creator of HELMEPA’s Seagull Mascot, 2) Achilleas Drougas, Painter, 3) Afroditi Litti, Sculptor & Professor at the Athens School of Fine Arts, 4) Christos Bokoros, Painter, 5) Dr. Michalis Skoullos, Emeritus Professor of Environmental Chemistry and Oceanography, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 6) Olga Stavropoulou, HELMEPA General Manager, 7) Mariza Fasianou, Gallerist, 8) Maria Filopoulou, Painter, 9) Manolis Charos, Visual Artist.

The second evaluation committee for the junior and senior high school competition consisted of: 1) Micha Cattaui, Visual Artist, 2) Philippos Theodoridis, Painter, 3) Nikomachi Karakonstanoglou, Visual Artist, 4) Marina Kouroumali, Educator, 5) Elena Mavromichali, Cultural Strategy Advisor, 6) Timos Oikonomopoulos, Art Expertise, 7) Christina Papadopoulou, Gagosian Gallery, 8) Aliki Tsigkri, Visual Artist, 9) Maria Filopoulou, Painter.


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Photos

Benefits for Οrganization

This initiative represents a collective contribution from HELMEPA Members - Greek seafarers, shipowners, companies, and organizations from Greece and abroad - and demonstrates their voluntary commitment to protecting the marine and coastal environment, promoting environmental education, and fostering societal well-being.

At the heart of this effort lies the education of the next generation. Knowledge, inspiration, and active participation are essential to cultivating tomorrow’s responsible citizens, capable of addressing the planet’s greatest challenges. Providing accurate information, meaningful education, and active engagement of children on environmental issues is not merely an activity; it is the most valuable investment in securing a sustainable future and fulfilling HELMEPA’s vision.




Connection with Global Goals







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HELMEPA Junior Program entitled “Sea is Life”

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