Following the social isolation due to Covid-19, the artist Stephan Goldrajch conceived the participatory project, entitled Arbre à palabres, a giant tree, six metres high, comprised of numerous pieces of knitting, crochet or weaving of any colour, pattern and yarn made by people of different ages and social backgrounds, particularly from neighbourhoods around the museum. Arbre à palabres, the palaver tree, is usually found in the centre of African villages and is a place where people meet and exchange ideas, elders share stories with children, and where important decisions concerning the village are discussed. In Greece, we could compare the Palaver tree with the Platane tree found in Greek villages where people of all ages gather and partake in daily social life. The knitted items that were selected – following the artist’s open call – have been placed on the tree, and displayed in the EMST Foyer.

This collaborative, polyphonic work of art, encompasses all the stories involved in its making, marking a new era for the museum, one which is more open, inclusive and welcoming. It is the first presentation of the artist’s work in Greece.