Serifos, ensconced within the Aegean Sea’s embrace, is a haven of both cultural and environmental splendor. Its rich tapestry unfolds through traditional villages, steeped in history, and archaeological sites tracing back to antiquity. The town of Chora, with its labyrinthine alleys and medieval castle, stands as a testament to the island’s enduring cultural legacy.
Amidst Serifos’s ancient charm lies a natural wonderland, where pristine beaches and rugged landscapes beckon adventurers. From the sandy shores of Livadi to secluded coves like Megalo Livadi, the island offers respite and exploration in equal measure. Hiking trails crisscross through olive groves and wildflower-strewn hillsides, revealing hidden caves and ancient ruins.
For artists, Serifos is a wellspring of inspiration, where the interplay of light and shadow, land and sea, ignites creativity. The island’s timeless beauty, captured in its sun-drenched vistas and azure waters, serves as a muse for painters, photographers, and poets alike. Amidst the tranquility of its landscapes and the vibrancy of its culture, artists find solace and inspiration to create works that echo the essence of Serifos for generations to come.
Duration of residency
3 weeks
Accommodation
The guesthouses are at the port of Serifos Livadi in front of the sea with their own deckchairs for the residents.
All rooms come with a private bathroom, private kitchen, TV, air conditioning, and a refrigerator.
Free Wi-Fi is available.
The guesthouse is conveniently located near shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes.
Disciplines, work equipment and assistance
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES:
Workshop: Through the program, artists have the opportunity to work and collaborate with 2 workshops on the island. The KERAMEION WORKSHOP which is a ceramics lab and the ART LAB which is a multi-space of expression in front of the sea. Through the 2 spaces, artists will be able to meet local artists, collaborate with them and create their own unique works.
Full Day Excursion to Sifnos:
Artemonas: The walk through the cobbled alleys of the settlement is a unique experience, as we will see some of the most beautiful mansions of the island, in verdant fenced gardens.Visit to the traditional pottery workshop of the Lebesi family in Artemonas. Their ceramics are made on the wheel of red Cretan clay and decorated with traditional motifs of grandmother Katerina with oxides of cobalt or copper.
Castle: Built on a steep rock with a panoramic view of the sea, it is the most picturesque area of Sifnos. Life there continues autonomously from prehistoric times to the present day.The excursion will conclude with a meal at Bostani of Sifnos, an excellent restaurant that grows its own organic fruit and vegetables.
Estimated total activity time: 9am to 6pm
Hiking Trail: Elidromio – Chora
Descend “The Path of Plakes” for stunning views, unique to the island, overlooking Chora. This historic route, dating back to 1858, was once used by miners. Starting from Elidromio, traverse barren landscapes and ancient chapels to reach Agios Georgios church. Then, enjoy a quick 20-minute downhill walk on the stone-paved path to Ano Chora.
Exploring Chora
Perched atop a rocky cliff, Chora’s white cubic houses cascade down steep slopes. Ano Chora, a fortified Aegean settlement, faces the sunrise and boasts landmarks like the Church of Agios Athanasios and the neoclassical Town Hall (1904). Take a break at the central square before continuing to Kato Chora. Wandering through its alleys offers stunning sea views and quaint courtyards adorned with bougainvillea.
Visit to Megalo Livadi and the Mining Museum
Nestled in a tranquil valley, Megalo Livadi boasts remnants of Serifos’ mining history. Follow the rails to the loading bridge and enjoy a sunset surrounded by ochre and rust hues. The Mining Museum showcases the island’s rich mineral diversity, including rare green halloysite. Conclude your visit with dinner at one of Megalo Livadi’s seaside tavernas.
Estimated Time: 2 hours (excluding dinner)
Monastery & Settlement Visit
Taxiarches Monastery, built 1570-72, resembles a medieval fortress with its battlements and tall walls (8-10 m). It houses treasures like an ornate iconostasis and a library from 1909. The Panagia Settlement, named after an 11th-century church, sits at Serifos’ heart, offering a charming stroll through its alleys.
Time: 2 hours (excluding dinner)
Traditional Festival Experience
Hosts at the festival will welcome us to their stone benches, serving wine, homemade dishes, and ending the night with island dances. Serifos hosts dozens of well-organized festivals annually, including one on September 25th at Agios Giannis chapel.
Time: 2 hours
Wine Tasting at Chrysoloras Winery
Chrysoloras Winery, operating since 2015, produces organic wines from Cycladic grape varieties. After a tour, we’ll taste wines on terraces, paired with local delicacies, while enjoying the sunset view.
Time: 2.5 hours
Open Exhibition: Concluding the program, you will organize a collective exhibition, event, and celebration with music, inviting citizens, fellow artists, publishers, and collectors. Artworks created during the residency period will be showcased. One representative piece from each artist will be contributed to the Eutopia Art Residency Collection.
Eutopia Art Residency Team Member Role: As a member of the Eutopia Art Residency team, your responsibilities include presenting the artist and their work, contributing to the digital archive of Eutopia Art Residency as a collaborator. Additionally, you will assist and guide artists in exploring the local community, culture, and gastronomy, ensuring a holistic and enriching residency experience.
Studio / Workspace
KERAMEIO WORKSHOP
Kerameio is located on an amazing Aegean view balcony since 2014. In the workshop you will meet Natassa and Kerameio team working with stoneware clay and developing their research into the field of ceramics. They produce a limited number of handcrafted ceramictableware, made with contemporary style, sculptures and jewellery, inspired by the Cycladic landscape and the Aegean Sea that embody the aesthetic aspect of simplicity. Shapes, curves, natural or bold textures allow a new organic element to emerge in the space. This leads to a slower living style.
The workshop is equipped with two electric kilns, one wedging machine, onepottery wheel, and one slab roller. Visiting hours daily 6pm – 10pm
ART LAB
Art Lab is a new artistic space in the port of Serifos. A 35sqm indoor space with a big yard infront of the sea is offered to the artists for any type of creation.
Fees and support
Fees – 2980€
Expectations towards the artist
Since Eutopia Art Residency focuses on research, knowledge sharing and experience with other artists and the local area, there are no required results.
Application information
THE FORM IS HERE: https://eutopiaart.com/apply-now
Image Caption
SEROFOS ISLAND GREECE
