This is a residency of return. Have you ever had the feeling of returning to a place you've never visited before? That deep, inherent sensation that the place was waiting for you, just like your family does when you go back home.  

I am fascinated by the idea of "return" as it appears in the Odyssey. From my understanding, Odysseus would have never made it back to Ithaca without the goodwill of the Gods and the hospitality of the people. The exact same is true for this residency, which we are finally bringing to life two years after the local authorities abruptly cut our festival's funding. 

We consciously designed this as an open door—to the many stories of residents and visitors alike. It's a space for joy and struggles, peace and dreams, anxieties and songs, all rooted in the unique experience of being an islander, the history of being Greek, and the cosmopolitan heritage that we all share and the Aegean Sea breathes out. For me, my family, and my memory, Syros is a beloved place where living history is performed every single day, rather than a romanticized, consumable product. 

Hopefully, the playful northern breeze will keep us refreshed in spite of the intense sun!

Welcome, everyone, dear friends! 

Much gratitude to The Festival Academy, the IN-SITU Platform and the South Aegean Region.