Athens has a heart-to-heart

Updated 15.01 Wed Jan 23 2008

Keywords: world, greece, art, athens

Artists in Athens have set their hearts on taking their work to the people.

In a city where attendances at art galleries are falling, 110 painters, sculptors, graffiti artists, architects and fashion designers have decorated dozens of hearts and put them on outdoor display.

"Initiatives like this give people the opportunity to open the gallery door" - Takis Meletis

Hearts of Athens organiser Takis Meletis said: "We are confident that initiatives like this, where the art becomes public in the streets, will give them the opportunity not to hesitate to open the gallery door step inside and see more art."

The exhibition will raise money for a children's charity when the hearts are sold at auction in April.

One Athens resident said: "I generally like that they are doing this and exhibiting it on all the piazzas, and I will be looking for all the other hearts.

"I think they're fantastic, They give a lot of life to the city. I think its great."

It is hoped other cities will be encouraged to wear their hearts on their sleeves with similar exhibitions.