The 11th edition of the Xarkis Festival returns to Nicosia this weekend, offering three days of workshops, performances, installations, and a celebration of multidisciplinary art. From Friday to Sunday, the festival presents an eclectic international lineup of events tailored for both children and adults.
Exploring Care and Collaboration
This year’s theme, Unearthing Care – Ecologies of Collaboration, will unfold in old Nicosia, blending artistic expression with community involvement. The festival began with the Multi-Residency Programme in late August, where a group of artists and curators collaborated with the local community to create works that will be showcased during the event.
Workshops like Create Your Own Koilaniotiko Handkerchief and Kourellou Weaving with Folkmona are among the highlights. The festival will also feature intercommunal walking tours organized in collaboration with Home for Cooperation and AHDR.
A Festival Rooted in Community
Organizers explain, “The Xarkis Festival is deeply embedded in the communities and environments it visits each year. This time in Nicosia, the focus is on fostering collaborative practices through a feminist perspective, and showcasing Cypriot culture, rituals, and traditions through contemporary art.”
The festival’s theme, Unearthing Care, highlights the innate nature of care within individuals and emphasizes the importance of those at the heart of this concept.
Full Weekend of Events
From Friday to Sunday, an exciting lineup of workshops, performances, and exhibitions will take place. The program kicks off on Friday afternoon with a workshop by Despina Rangou at 3 p.m., followed by a Gathering event by Eleni Christou and Lauren Mavromati at 4 p.m., and a performative walking tour by Marjolein Guldentops. The day wraps up with three performances starting at 6:20 p.m., an intervention, and a late-night performance at 11 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday are packed with more walks, workshops, exhibitions, and installations, all revolving around the theme of care and collaboration. For a detailed agenda, check the festival’s social media channels.
Xarkis Festival 2024
- Dates: September 13-15
- Location: Old Nicosia
- Website: www.xarkis.org