Dirk Drijbooms and Hilde Van Lindt.
Both were (and still are) involved in a number of international, political and academic organisations, and have been visiting Greece and Paros for more than 25 years. They lived in Vienna, New York and Brussels and decided to live a substantial part of the year in Paros and Athens. Three years ago, they developed the idea to create an artistic meeting place in the historical part of Parikia and started with the restauration of three old houses in the Kastro. Since the announcement of the Apothiki inititiative, they have been supported by friends on the island and beyond with whom they hope to develop a lively and attractive program. Dear Friend, It is not without a feeling of relief and satisfaction that we finalised the 2006 programme for the Apothiki Art Center. For a third season in a row. we will present a solid mix of art work and artists.. fully in line with the 'aims' that we have set ourselves in May 2004. An Art Center with an 'easy access approach', no 'whispering gallery atmosphere', a meeting place for confronting ideas and perceptions, a professional space for exhibitions and performances and -last but certainly not least - a healthy creative inter-action with the local and international community of Paros.... artists and art lovers alike! These were things we have put high on our priority list since we started to work on this 'project' now more than 7 years ago. Since 2004, Apothiki has been the 'home' for a large number of artists from many countries. They have been to our island and have appreciated the hospitality and exceptional beauty by looking through artist eyes of what is unfolding for them: An increasingly attractive environment for creative people from all over the world that want to get away from the busy and hectic lives most of us experience these days.... We have, in all modesty, been trying to 'host' this curiosity and talent in the best way we could offer at this stage and with the personal land thus limited financial means available. We are also stimulated by the growing interest from many cultural organisations, galleries and individual artists and we will try to accommodate the projects and ideas presented to us. We are particularly happy to see that friends on the island ask us to use the space for interesting events. Our cooperation with IPAC, the Mayor and Paros Municipality services as well as many other cultural initiatives on the island such as the Art School of Paros, the Paros Library etc., is pleasant and promising. As I said on the occasion of the 'opening' 2 years ago: 'Our house if your house'...whenever that is possible.. Even more encouraging are the numerous applications we receive from artists from all over the globe that want to take part in a residency programme. Apothiki Foundation is an active member in the Advisory Board of RESARTIS (Worldwide network of Artist Residencies - www.resartis.org) and we are currently developing plans to have more people coming to Paros in order to spend some time to work, reflect or exhibit. Plans are under way to host in 2007 a large international meeting with representatives of Residential Art Centers from all continents. It could be the start of a larger programme in Paros and the surrounding islands of the Cyclades and we are proud to take the lead in this for the Resartis network. As usual and always: opinions, advice and critics will help us to fine-tune this... day after day. The list of improvements needed is long as it should be....a more interactive website, more activities in Winter, more publicity and more multi language publications...as much as we can (afford!) we will work on those issues. All support to realise this is welcome and adds to the ‘igniting’ role we try to play. This year again, we will bring again numerous curious friends and artists to our island and into our building in the Kastro. They will experience something that all of us have experienced when coming to Paros. We will make even more efforts to make this a beacon of art in an increasingly rough world. The fact that more than 500 friends that join us in the renovated Atomium building in Brussels for the opening event for the 2006 Apothiki season is encouraging.. ..the fact that (almost?) all want to come to Paros to ‘see what we are doing'...even more. Hilde and myself are looking forward to a sparkling 2006 season and even more interaction with all those that see the Apothiki as an Art meeting place. |
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