The international conference “Digital Folklore 2.0. Folk Culture in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” which was co-organized by the University of the Aegean (Laboratory of Language, Folklore and Literature, and the Laboratory of Mathematics, Mathematics Education, and Multimedia of the Department of Elementary Education) and the Rhodes Music School.
The event was supported by the Parents’ and Guardians’ Association of the Rhodes Music School, the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy, the Region of South Aegean, the Municipality of Rhodes (Department of Culture, Department of Tourism), the Municipality of Chalki, the Chamber of Commerce, and PROTOUR. In addition, the event was supported by Nissos Chalki, the Semiramis Hotel, Disigma Publications, Blue Star Ferries, and the Dodecanese Beekeepers’ Association, while the conference was held under the auspices of the Ministries of Culture and Digital Governance, as well as the General Secretariat for the Aegean and Island Policy.
The school administration expressed its warmest thanks to the academic directors of the University of the Aegean, Professor George Katsadoros and Professor Emmanouil Fokidis, for the honor and trust they showed in the Rhodes Music School. Thanks were also extended to the Parents’ Association and its Board Chair, Ms. Katerina Chartofili, to all the organizations that supported the event, as well as to the teachers and students for their musical contributions and overall assistance.
The conference program
The first day of the conference included welcoming remarks, sessions, and the opening ceremony, during which the following school music ensembles performed:
- The Traditional Orchestra and the Traditional Choir, led by teachers Ms. Matina Mastora and Mr. Michalis Kostakis. Participating teachers included Vasilis Kokkalakis, Christos Koutsias, Dimitra Aslanoglou, Giorgos Andrikopoulos, Nikos Simitsakos, Polemachos Paschalidis, Dimitris Georgalidis, and Thanasis Chasapis.
- The European Choir, led by instructor Mr. Michalis Kalaentzis. Participating instructors included Ms. Marianna Kalaitzi, Petros Tsiberoúlos, Thanasis Diamantis, Anastasia Kalopetri, Evi Katsara, Theodoros Papavasileiou, Amarildo Lotsko, and Anthoula Koliaídi.
- The Percussion Ensemble, led by teacher Mr. Nikos Chasapis.
In addition, warm thanks were extended to teachers Mr. Angelos Stamoulis, Mr. Apostolos Kolonias, and Mr. Demosthenes Moschos for their support in organizing the event.
On the second day, Saturday, the proceedings continued with parallel sessions covering topics such as Folk Culture and Artificial Intelligence, memes, fairy tales, education, and social networks. The speakers included the school principal, Mr. Christos Theologos; the vice principal, Mr. Panagiotis Loukas Bellos; and the teacher, Ms. Anthoula Koliadi.
On the third day, Sunday, October 18, after the conclusion of the final session and presentations, the conference participants and the delegation from the Rhodes Music School traveled to Halki. There they were welcomed by the mayor of Halki, Mr. Evangelos Fragakis, who in his speech referred to the role of new technologies in preserving the intangible cultural heritage of small islands. This was followed by a tour of the island, during which students, accompanied by their teachers Mr. Vasilis Kokkalakis and Mr. Christos Koutsias, performed melodies on traditional instruments. The conference concluded with traditional dances and a meal, bringing the event to a close in an atmosphere of hospitality and joy.
