This was something deeply understood by the woman whose life story became the value-based point of departure for the foundation. She was our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother — jaja Kalliopi. Her path, almost odyssean in nature, began in childhood. With one crucial difference: her journey did not end at home in Greece. She was forced to build a new home in former Czechoslovakia.

Kalliopi was one of many children evacuated from Greece during the Greek Civil War. Families were scattered across Europe. She was twelve years old when she found herself alone in Romania — learning a new language and living a demanding life far removed from that of today’s teenagers. Her health was fragile, she was alone, and books became her lifelong companions. From there, she later moved to Czechoslovakia, where she was reunited with much of her family. It was here that her new life truly began.

Perhaps because of these early experiences, she became — without hesitation — the most modern and liberal-minded person in our family. She never judged. She always encouraged us not to give up. She never succumbed to pathos or nostalgia for “the good old days.” She disliked dusty objects as much as outdated opinions. She possessed a kind of lived wisdom that could unsettle us, challenge us, and propel us forward. She often said: “Look ahead — that’s what matters.”She believed in the future and in young people, listened to them, and supported them. Through this attitude, she became not only the heart but also the mind of our family.

Our mother, Kalliopi, is the reason we are where we are today. She is the reason our family remains strong and resilient. The reason we do not stand still, but continue to move forward. She taught us that family holds together even in times of chaos — that we remain connected even when our paths do not currently intersect.

And that is why Kalliopi.

Because through her name, we want to enable artists to find their own path — however long or winding it may be.

Just like hers.