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Arias Project
Arias Project
Introduction
Introduction
Context and Collaborative Project
The building of Ergostasio was the very first woodcraft shift, called Ksilogliptiki, in the vicinity of Kisamos, territory of Gramvousa in Chania, in the biggest Greek island, Crete. Kisamos is a wealthy and rich drop combining mountain and sea landscapes. This small town is an absolutely touristic destination because of the two most famous beaches in Chania, named Falasarna and Balos.
Ergostasio is a tranquil and creative space, nestled within the pristine natural beauty of Gramvousa, Kissamos. It aims to host artists from around the world as well as from the local community, building bridges through shared artistic experiences. Through individual and collective workshops, artists are invited to stay, create, and collaborate in an environment inspired by nature and tradition.
At the heart of the initiative lies connection - between artists, locals, and the land itself. The exchange of artists, artworks, and ideas functions like a natural cycle, a form of creative "recycling," where nothing remains static.
Through workshops, open studios, and community events, Ergostasio aims to nurture a vibrant, participatory dialogue, where the residents of Kissamos are not mere observers, but co-creators. This continuous flow and exchange will make the project meaningful and sustainable, in harmony with the rhythm of nature.
5 Aria - Presentation of Ergostasio _20250310_173426_0001.mp4
Leading Questions
Leading Questions
Which organizations can support Ergostasio to make a start and which kind of art should be the perfect opening?
How can this project be sustainable and keep the curiosity of the audience during the years?
Aria was mentored by Inge Ceustermans. She received an donor pitch document of The Festival Academy for reference with the aim to work towards a similar document for her organisation and to be able to contact possible funders. She also got connected to Alumna Filia Milidaki who is part of the TFA community and who has extensive epxerience with organising festivals on a neighbouring Greek island. She has implemented a small inofficial opening event about which you can read below.
Aria was mentored by Inge Ceustermans. She received an donor pitch document of The Festival Academy for reference with the aim to work towards a similar document for her organisation and to be able to contact possible funders. She also got connected to Alumna Filia Milidaki who is part of the TFA community and who has extensive epxerience with organising festivals on a neighbouring Greek island. She has implemented a small inofficial opening event about which you can read below.
Outcomes
Outcomes
How did the mentorship process support or inspire you in developing your project or professional growth?
The mentorship process helped me refine my vision, strengthen my leadership skills, and gain confidence in turning ideas into actionable plans and believe that my project is interesting for other people as well. They encour laged me to think My mentor’s insights encouraged me to think collaborative and strategically.
What were the three most valuable pieces of advice or guidance you received from your mentor?
Focus on impact.
Build a strong team, with common culture and vision.
Stay adaptable, flexible.
Which concrete steps have you taken – or plan to take – to bring your proposed project to life? I have developed a detailed action plan, secured initial partnerships, and begun piloting small-scale activities to test and refine the project before scaling up.
What is one valuable piece of advice or insight you would like to share with a wider global community of festival leaders? Invest in community, authentic connections, keep closed with all these unique people and minds.
Outcomes
Outcomes
The concert that took place at the beginning of August at Ergostasio was an unofficial opening that came together just a few days in advance. It was part of Giortes Rokkas Festival. We arranged one of the four Schubert mini music concerts to be held at my space, in order to broaden the audience reach and also to see for myself what an event in my venue would be like - what it would require and how it would go.
It went fantastically! More people came than expected, from a variety of age groups, which confirms that the area lacks access to art. All of this happened with minimal promotion and preparation.
What my team and I took care of was to provide chairs for the guests (chairs that were made right there in the space, from olive wood, some even hand-carved), as well as various stands and resting spots so people could relax while listening to the music. We repaired the toilets at the lowest possible cost, made sure the entire space was clean, took care to make the surrounding area look beautiful - since the concert was followed by a party outdoors - and finally, I reached out to a local business run by friends of mine to bring us wine, different varieties of their own production.
I also want to mention that Iva that I met during the Atelier came. Her energy was unique! As soon as she arrived, she lightened my mood and truly helped me relax with her presence. It was so beautiful to have someone from the Atelier, where we lived so many creative moments together, there at the factory! She experienced firsthand what I had talked about with all of you - it moved me deeply.
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