NBG Cultural Foundation (MIET)

In 1966, at the initiative of Georgios Mavros, at the time the director, NBG took an important decision that opened up new paths in the field of culture in Greece. Following the proposal of Emmanuel Ch. Kasdaglis, NBG Cultural Foundation (MIET) was founded, an initiative that was much more than a gesture but expressed the Bank's desire to stand by the community in which it operates and actively support culture and education.

It is the only cultural institution established by a bank and for more than 60 years has supported the cultural life of the country, with the steady backing of NBG, which has enabled it to evolve and respond to changing needs over the years.

MIET’s profile in detail

Core Mission and Vision

The core mission of MIET is to promote Greek education and learning through publications, and to be a pillar of support for modern Greek cultural production and history, serving and funding cultural life in our country.

As part of its mission, it develops actions that support public and private efforts to promote culture, sciences and arts in Greece. It pays particular attention to education, publishing books and textbooks on various fields of the humanities and social sciences, while at the same time offering scholarships to outstanding students, mainly through the Alexis Minotis Endowment in memory of Katina Paxinou.

Publications

MIET's publications stand out for the careful selection of titles and their high quality. The authoring or translation of such works is undertaken by specialists and scholars qualified for such tasks, while careful editing has set a high benchmark in the field of Greek publishing. The Foundation's activity focuses mainly on the humanities, social and anthropological sciences, shedding light on various aspects of contemporary intellectual and social life.

To date, MIET's catalogue lists over 650 works, both original and translated. The publishing program, developed by a special committee of academics and researchers, places an emphasis on works that are key textbooks and sources of reliable knowledge. The aim is to offer not only elegant and beneficial books, but also high-level university textbooks that contribute to the international bibliography.

Culture and Education Activities

MIET organizes exhibitions, cultural events, book presentations and seminars, collaborating with key institutions throughout Greece. The Villa Kapandji, where the MIET Branch in Thessaloniki is housed, is one of the few mansions in the city that have survived from the end of the 19th century. With the cosmopolitan architecture of the time, it is today a lively cultural center, hosting exhibitions, lectures and events held by the Foundation for the public of northern Greece.

Events and Programs for all

MIET carries out learning programs for students of all ages, as well as for cultural associations. The aim of these programs is to bring youth and seniors closer to the cultural sphere, through creative and hands-on events and activities.