The ART-ACT Institute has its roots with the artist Christos Theofilis, who founded it in 2000 as the ART-ACT Institute for Contemporary Arts and Letters. In 2007, he further established the ART-ACT Institute of Art. Here's an overview of its history:

• Foundation: The ART-ACT Institute was created by Christos Theofilis in 2000 with a focus on contemporary arts and letters. Theofilis, a notable Greek artist, art critic, and curator, aimed to foster a space for creative expression and education in the arts.
• Expansion: By 2007, Theofilis expanded this initiative by founding the ART-ACT Institute of Art, indicating a more structured approach to art education and perhaps a broader scope in its activities.
• Mission and Activities: The institute has been involved in numerous activities including:
  • Organizing personal and group exhibitions for artists.
  • Publishing art-related books and critical essays, with Theofilis himself contributing to art criticism in Greek newspapers.
  • Curating exhibitions and cultural events.
  • Providing a platform for art education, likely with a focus on contemporary art practices, given Theofilis's background and interests.
• Philosophy: The philosophy behind ART-ACT seems to embody Theofilis's personal artistic ideology, where art should be an expression of the artist's inner truth rather than a commercial product. This is reflected in the institute's operations, which have historically valued artistic integrity over commercial success.
• Notable Contributions: Under Theofilis's guidance, the institute has contributed to the Greek art scene by:
  • Hosting over 160 personal exhibitions for Theofilis alone, showcasing a significant body of work.
  • Organizing exhibitions like "Epithanatios Synthesi" in 1981, "The Moon" in 1989, and "The Portrait of Dorian Gray" in 2007, which have been pivotal in the art community.
  • Publishing works that explore Greek cultural heritage, including shadow theater, demonstrating a commitment to preserving and interpreting cultural narratives through art.

The ART-ACT Institute, therefore, stands as an institution dedicated to the advancement of contemporary art, literature, and cultural education in Greece, reflecting the vision of its founder, Christos Theofilis, in promoting art that is true to the artist's vision.