The Cycladic Identity initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art presents a series of public events in Paros on April 18–19, 2026, focusing on education, gastronomy, and the stories and memories of the island. All events are free to attend and will take place at the Paros Municipal Arts Venue (Dimitrakopoulos Building), with the support of the Municipality of Paros.
The programme explores the role of education in connecting younger generations with their place of origin, the relationship between gastronomic heritage and sustainability, and the power of personal memory and storytelling as a bridge between past and future. Every object, every local product, every learning experience carries a story rooted in place.
Saturday, April 18 | Paros Municipal Arts Venue (Dimitrakopoulos Building)
Welcome remarks (18:00–18:10)
- Sandra Marinopoulou, President & CEO, Museum of Cycladic Art
- Anna Kagani-Kortianou, Deputy Mayor for Culture, Municipality of Paros
Education and its Role in Shaping Local Identity and the Next Generation (18:10–19:10)
This discussion examines how education contributes to the formation of local identity and strengthens young people’s connection to their community. Through diverse perspectives and lived experiences, it highlights how knowledge, learning, and experiential education support continuity, cohesion, and the evolving dynamics of local society. Moderated by Dr Dimitris Athanasoulis, Director of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades & Member of the Cycladic Identity Scientific Committee.
Speakers:
- Laura Metanai, student, Paros Vocational High School
- Dimitris Papanagiotakis, Scientific Director, Paros Innovation Center; Vice President, Paros Parents’ Association Union
- Lina Rapti, philologist, Paros Vocational High School
- Ifigeneia Chatzigeorgiou, President of the Municipal Council of Paros; philologist and Head of Paros General High School
Local Production, Gastronomic Heritage and Sustainability (19:10–20:10)
This discussion highlights how local production and culinary traditions transmit knowledge and values across generations. Through the experiences of local producers, it explores the relationship between land, community, and sustainability. Moderated by Niki Mitarea, author and journalist.
Speakers:
- Arsenis Loukis, organic producer; Treasurer and member of the Paros Farming Community
- Katerina Moschou, founder of the “To Parion” dairy
- Savvas Moraitis, winemaker
- Angelos Pitsikalis, honey producer in Paros and President of the Beekeepers Association
Sunday, April 19 | Paros Municipal Arts Venue (Dimitrakopoulos Building)
Stories and Memories of Paros (17:00–19:00)
Storytelling workshop with Dr Angeliki Kosmopoulou, archaeologist, strategic storytelling consultant, founder of Storymentor & member of the Cycladic Identity Scientific Committee, and Kostis Sfyrikidis, voice coach and co-founder of Storymentor
Every object holds a story. It can act as a bridge between past and present. This workshop focuses on how objects, beyond their practical use, function as carriers of memory and history. Participants are invited to bring a small object connected either to Paros or to their own memories of the island. Using this as a starting point, they will learn how to craft and share short personal narratives. Through simple experiential exercises, participants will explore how personal memories can become stories that illuminate the relationship between people and place.
Participation is free, with advance booking required (free ticket).
