About Us
This past September marked the beginning of our vision for Andros - a transformative space where the island's rich agricultural and architectural heritage converges with contemporary art to foster creation, dialogue, and innovation. By inviting Sergej Andreevski, a painter from Skopje; Marianne Catzaras, a photographer from Tunis; Christina Rahme from Lebanon; and the stylist Garen Demirjan from Paris, we set out to explore how this unique environment can inspire and influence creative expression. Their responses were profound, confirming Andros' unparalleled ability to resonate with artists and ignite their processes through its history, natural beauty, and deep-rooted cultural identity.
Andros is more than a destination; it is a repository of centuries-old traditions in agriculture, architecture, and craftsmanship. Its terraced landscapes, ancient olive groves, and stone-built farmhouses are living testimonies of a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, shaped over three centuries. These elements are not relics but resources - integral to shaping a space where contemporary art and the island's heritage coalesce. Public spaces become creative workshops; the island's natural and built environments act as collaborators in the creative process, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern artistic practices.
In June, we will host our inaugural artistic residency, bringing together artists from around the globe. Over ten days, participants will immerse themselves in Andros' essence - its landscapes, architecture, and the stories embedded in its stones - and transform these experiences into art. The residency's objective is not only to produce works but to foster a dialogue between the artists and the island's heritage, creating a mutual exchange that enriches both.
The residency will culminate in an exhibition held in Chora, Andros' capital, a cultural hub where the island's history meets its vibrant artistic present. Housed in a historic high school, the exhibition will invite locals and visitors alike to engage with the works born from this unique dialogue. This initiative aims to establish Andros as a place where art is not merely exhibited but actively created, shaped by and contributing to the island's living heritage.
This vision is realized by Amalia Gardens AMKE, a civil nonprofit company founded by architects and designers Charis Savvides and Penny Valsamidou, owners of the Athens-based architectural office elytron.eu. Drawing inspiration from Andros' agricultural and architectural traditions, the founders seek to create a sustainable artistic hub where the island's past and present converge. The company's name pays tribute to Mrs. Amalia Athanasiou, the last resident of the abandoned village of Kalokairini, who left around 1980. In her honor, Amalia Gardens AMKE strives to revitalize the village as a beacon of creativity, rooted in Andros' rich heritage while looking forward to a future of cultural and artistic innovation.
