Facts About Mykonos Biennale
The Mykonos Biennale is a vibrant art event held biennially at the beginning of summer on the picturesque Greek island of Mykonos. Founded by Lydia Venieri, this biennale transcends a mere exhibition; it serves as a symposium where art and philosophy coalesce to harness the island's distinctive energy.
Scheduled for one week at the end of June or the beginning of July, the event is a sensory feast featuring a wide array of artworks, projects, and activities. The biennale invites both established and emerging artists to create and display public artworks, community-based projects, and temporary installations across various locations on the island. These settings are as diverse as the art itself, extending from public spaces like windmills, pirate houses, schools, and churches to traditional cultural venues such as galleries and museums.
Each edition of the biennale centers around a specific theme. In 2021, the theme was "1821" commemorating the revolutionary year for several nations. The 2019 edition focused on "Apathia" exploring global themes of control and indifference. In 2017, the theme was "Trans Allegoria" examining art's transformative potential. The inaugural biennale in 2013 addressed "Crisis and Paganism" integrating ancient values with modern art to tackle social issues.
The event is a melting pot of creativity, featuring a diverse lineup of artists, short film directors, video artists, performers, and philosophers. The biennale's cultural program is rich with exhibitions, performances, workshops, and screenings, distributed across various venues on the island. It aims to foster a dialogue between contemporary art and traditional culture, offering a unique and immersive experience for both artists and visitors.