First the fieldwork, then, coming soon, a Spring School exploring concepts of the rural idyll, celebrating the present and envisioning our interconnected sustainable futures.
〰️
First the fieldwork, then, coming soon, a Spring School exploring concepts of the rural idyll, celebrating the present and envisioning our interconnected sustainable futures. 〰️
Following the success of our Activation Workshop in Summer 2023 and the second stage of our fieldwork in Spring 2024, the project has continued through an ongoing relationship with the house and olive garden in Sykourio. This work is both practical and reflective, preparing the house and the land and beginning to receive people once again, in a place where local children came to play and gather fruit, remembered today by villagers as a sanctuary at the centre of community life during difficult times. We are now developing our reflective publication (2026) and preparing for the next phase of our Spring School Programme in 2027.
We have had a lot of fun meeting our village through mapping people and place; from oral history interviews, recording architecture and activities, and tracing the extraordinary and historic “avlakia” irrigation system. In the meantime, work to the house has been completed (for now!) and our gaze is shifting outwards, first to the olive tree harvest and then to creating a ‘kitchen garden’ as we deepen our understanding of soil, stewardship and regenerative practices.
The project continues to unfold through the seasons, as we continue to explore concepts of the rural idyll, celebrating the present and envisioning our interconnected, sustainable futures. We look forward to sharing more very soon.
For our why , what, and who read more here and here. If you are interested in joining us please apply via the link below.
2027 dates to be confirmed
Sykourio, Thessaly, Greece
Places are limited, apply early!
future SPRING SCHOOL programme
PHASE 1
SCORING & TRACING
Using interdisciplinary scoring methodologies, drawing from mapping, oral history interviews, experiential tracing, movement practices and sensory walking we will unearth the stories of Sykourio and the diverse ways it connects to its people and place.
This phase will conclude with the creation of a living map.
INTERACTION
PHASE 2
Following our daily explorations there will be convivial talks, lively conversation, discussions and immersive visits to new places with local people, artisans, architects and more.
There will be moments of making, giving, exchange and continuous connection as we enhance our understanding of Sykourio , its material culture, people and place.
PHASE 3
EXHIBITION
We propose a daily reflective practice and an evolving record of curated contributions, choreographed and culminating in a celebration of material culture, our work and new connections made during the Activation Workshop.
Our Saturday ‘soiree’ will be a further opportunity for deep listening, learning and sharing with our local community, friends and guests, adults and children alike, as we imagine, formulate or instigate what may be next for a sustainable Sykourio.