SOPHIA HANDAKA

Dr. Sophia Handaka is curator of the Department of World Cultures at the Benaki Museum and founding director of the International Conference on Museums CoMuseum, which is organized annually by the Benaki Museum, the U.S. Embassy and the British Council. Through these two qualities, she prioritizes the creation of conditions for the exchange of know-how, cooperation and empowerment of cultural professionals, to promote the role of museums and cultural organizations in society, and to raise public awareness on issues of diversity, equality, accessibility and inclusion.Having received her doctorate from the University of Oxford, Sophia Chandaka is a social anthropologist specialized in the study of material culture and museums, with over 20 years of experience in the field of culture, heritage and creativity. During her years at the Benaki Museum she has planned and implemented many exhibitions, publications, cultural events, public programs, research and scientific projects, development projects and cultural synergies. In 2017-2019, she collaborated with the Municipality of Athens within the framework of the European project ROCK project, to develop a methodology for strengthening cultural initiative and access to culture. In 2021, she co-founded KOLLEKTIVA, a non-profit organization that works at the intersection of social innovation, culture and sustainable development to encourage positive transitions to a fairer and more sustainable future. She works as a culture consultant and has been invited to review committees, training workshops, special consultations and public speaking engagements. From 2005-2007 she taught at the University of Thessaly, Department of History, Archaeology & Social Anthropology. She is a member of the Bosch Alumni Network and a 2019 Fellow of the International Visitor Leadership Program.