The International Friends Association of the Temple of Apollo Epikourios at Bassae is a non-profit Organization aiming at the international promotion, support, protection, preservation, maintenance of the monument and its surrounding environs. The Association operates in co-operation with the Arcadia International Νetwork, the Parrhasian Cultural Heritage Park Association, the International Volunt
ary Society, and all its events take place under auspices of H.E. the Presisdent of the Hellenic Republic and in co-operation of the Hellenic Νational Committee for UNESCO. Our initiative is supported by the members of our Honorary Committee, distinguished personalities from around the world, which contribute resources, expertise and good practices towards the achievement of our goals. Our immediate targets include the operation of a Visitor and Information Centre in the archaeological site, as well as the creation of informative material and educational programs, in order to increase the numbers of visitors of the site. The relevant study is ready to be submitted for approval to the Central Archeological Council of the Ministry of Culture. To that end a sponsorship campaign is under way, in order to ensure the necessary funds for the project through a series of fundraising events. Highlight of the 2015-2016 events will be an International Scientific Symposium organized by the Ministry of Culture with the participation of distinguished archaeologist and conservators offering papers about the restorartion of the temple. It will coinsise with the 250th anniversary since 1765 the French architect and traveler Joachim Bocher identified the ruins in Bassae as the temple of Epikourios Apollo. The “EPIKOURIA” will be designed as a permanent institution, with annual artistic and cultural events to be presented at the archaeological site of the temple in Bassae, presenting for the first time in Greece new creations by foreign and Greek artists, inspired by the myths and history of the monument and the region. The Association aims also towards the creation of an International Research Centre in Andritsena, for scientific research and development projects in the field of archaeological conservation, offering hospitality and facilities in a renovated local traditional mansion.
