An Academy of Performing Arts is being established in Greece

A Higher School of Performing Arts (ASPT) is being established for the first time in Greece, modeled on the structure and admissions process of the Higher School of Fine Arts (ASFA), as reported by ‘K.’ The school will offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in theater, dance, and music.

The ASPT will include five departments formed by integrating institutions such as the National Theatre, the Greek National Opera, the School of Dance Arts, the State Theater of Northern Greece, and the Thessaloniki Conservatory. Graduates from these institutions will have the opportunity to continue their studies in related university departments.”

An attempt to establish a similar school was made in 2007, and its creation was among the demands of artists during last year’s major protests.

Admission will be granted without national exams, similar to the Higher School of Fine Arts, with only a high school diploma required. The status of artists’ degrees will be upgraded.

From late 2023 through the first half of 2024, artists held protests because their degrees were considered equivalent to a high school diploma for public sector employment. One of their main demands was establishing a university-level institution for artistic studies.

The proposed bill, developed following consultations with representatives from all relevant organizations, will be presented to the cabinet today and proceed to public consultation.