Karystos

Scope/conceptual framework

The cultural action SWEETEN YOUR HERITAGE KARYSTOS* deals with the symbiosis between the nature and culture of Karystos, and focuses on forest culture, Bees and the "magical" honey of Mount Ochi of Karystos, especially the unique Giulbery (rose honey) made from sideritis (mountain tea), oregano and wild herbs and Kissouri honey, from the heather bush, the latter being recently recognised as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) product. Related occupations (e.g. beekeeping, chestnut collection, livestock farming, ecotourism, apitourism), tangible and intangible resources (cattle pens, drakospita megalithic constructions, forest products, plants, animals, customs and traditions), collective representations and the knowledge surrounding them connect Karystia, as a place of special biocultural value, with its local history and landscape and contribute to its sustainability.

Activities - deliverables

Visual artists create original works of art (photography, painting, digital artworks, sculpture etc.). One of the original creations is the visual intervention on real beehives. The works of art in digital form constitute a digitised collection. Digital products are produced, including a tv spot, cultural videos and interviews of artists. A fairy tale is written, which is presented in tandem with a theatrical play, as part of an experiential activity targeting children and teenagers. The official presentation of the action takes place in Karystos, at a multiplier event of wide participation (professionals, schools, local government, businesses, agencies, disadvantaged groups, scientists, etc.). At the event, the artworks are exhibited to the public in physical form.

Contribution of organisations - partnerships

We are proud and thankful for the contribution of: Karystos Beekeeping Association, the Department of Digital Arts and Cinema of the University of Athens, the School of Advanced Vocational Training of Karystos, the 2nd Primary School of Karystos, the Giokalio Spiritual Center of Karystos and many artists.

Objectives - results

The action SWEETEN YOUR HERITAGE KARYSTOS connects artists, students, scientists and local actors in an innovative way, with the aim of strengthening contemporary artistic creation and inspiration, local cultural identity and cultural diversity, and cultural tourism.

Complementing other interesting social innovation initiatives, the action develops the public and contributes to the understanding of the current problem of biodiversity loss and to a productive dialogue for the restoration of the sustainable interaction between man and nature. Following the destruction caused by wildfires, rebirth will emerge, and the message that we can restore the harmony and the sustainable coexistence of nature and man through the culture of the landscape.

*Concept – scientific production: Angelos Karagiannis 

INFORMATION FOR VISUAL ARTISTS