Fivos Botsis

Fivos was born and raised in Athens, Greece. He is a writer, lawyer and arts policy advisor.

Fivos holds a law degree from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, a MA in International Studies from the same University, with a designated emphasis on the international protection of human rights, and a MA in Public Law from the University of Paris 1 – Panthéon Sorbonne, with a specialization in constitutional law.

Since 2013, Fivos is an official of the European Union and has been working with the European Court of Justice. Previously, he had practiced law in Athens, worked with the European Parliament and served, from 2009 to 2012, as senior policy advisor to the socialist Minister of Culture and Tourism of Greece, Mr. Pavlos Yeroulanos. Fivos advised Mr. Yeroulanos on issues of culture in general and book policy, performing arts policy and visual arts policy, in particular. Fivos’ contribution to some of the greatest achievements of the Yeroulanos administration, such as the introduction of the new Greek film law, the development and implementation of a new national book policy and the introduction of new funding programs for theatre and grants for young artists, was crucial.

Alongside his law studies and legal career, Fivos never ceased to pursue creative artistic projects. Fivos worked as a freelance screenwriter for Greek television from 2004 to 2007. In 2008, Fivos was awarded the National Award for Best New Playwright for his play “Flamingos”. In 2010, his first book, “Indigo Purple”, a short story collection, was published with one of the leading independent publishing houses in Greece (Melani Publications) to critical acclaim. In 2012 his second play, “Contact”, was staged at the National Theatre of Greece. In 2017 his third play, “Freddie”, received a special commendation for ‘most innovative original play’ from the jury of the National Awards for Playwriting.

Fivos is currently working on his fourth play, “Rot”, while setting out to engage again in arts policy making, both in the EU and in Greece, especially with the aim of putting in place measures to increase arts engagement by underprivileged children and young people.

What drew you to the MA Arts Politics program?

Going back to school at this stage of my life was not an easy decision. But being a writer, lawyer and arts policy advisor, it was hard not to be tempted by this multifaceted program, that emphasizes the social and political dimension of an artist’s work. NYU Tisch, in general, and APP, in particular, is the right place for those who want to challenge their inner thought patterns, to start believing in possibilities that they wouldn’t have allowed before, to further develop their creativity in a bold and playful way. It feels great being part of this unique community of thinkers, doers and visionaries.