Artist Residency in Aegina

Aegina Retreats hosts a small artist residency on the island of Aegina, Greece.

The residency has grown naturally from the long-standing practices of its hosts, Yanis and Marina , who live and work on the island.

The program offers artists, writers and creative practitioners the time and space to step away from routine and reconnect with the deeper movement of their work. It is not structured as a course or a workshop, but as an environment in which each resident can follow their own rhythm and direction.

The residency takes place within a shared studio environment suitable for drawing, painting, ceramics, writing and material exploration. Only a small number of residents are hosted at any given time, allowing the atmosphere to remain quiet, focused and supportive.

Creative work rarely unfolds in isolation from its surroundings. Landscape, material, light and time all shape the process. On Aegina the sea, the mineral qualities of the earth, the changing atmosphere and the slower rhythms of daily life naturally create conditions where attention deepens and work can evolve in unexpected ways.

Residents are free to structure their time independently. Some arrive with a defined project, others with only a sense of direction or a need to begin again. Both are welcome. The residency does not require a final outcome or presentation, although sharing work informally with others often happens naturally.

Guidance and conversation with the hosts are available when needed, but the primary role of the residency is simply to hold a stable environment where work can unfold.

The residency is open to visual artists, ceramic artists, writers and interdisciplinary practitioners interested in material, place and process-based work.

Location

Nestled in the Saronic Gulf, Aegina is the closest island to Piraeus. The Island beckons with its timeless charm and inviting landscapes, just a stone's throw away from the bustling city of Athens. Renowned for its historical significance, picturesque villages, and pistachio orchards, Aegina is an idyllic escape that seamlessly blends tradition with modern allure.

Aegina is layered with a rich tapestry of history, that you will no doubt experience while walking through town, visiting the Temple of Aphaia, the medieval village of Palaiochora and other sites. The island is vibrant and alive, with a population large enough to need schools, cinemas, a lively market with shops that cater to all tastes and many year round activities. A growing community of local artists and craftspeople have added a lot to it. With early summer, many festivals and events come to life, enjoyed by both locals and tourists alike - music, theatre, film, performance and art exhibitions. All this under the aroma of fresh pistachios permeating the air... and the taste buds.

Easy Access from Athens Airport

Aegina is very easily accessible. Just a short journey from the Athens International Airport, this island is an easily accessible little haven for those seeking a quick retreat from the city's hustle and bustle. The ferry ride can be anything form 40 mins to 1h30 - choose a speedy or slower transition to be transported into the hidden beauty of this simple island, leaving the cosmopolitan energy of Athens, or the city you are coming from, to enter the tranquility of Aegina.

The Grapevine House and the way we run our residencies will only add to the sense of relaxation and enjoyment. For our intention is giving you the freedom to approach your work in a way respectful of your own needs.. The beauty of the landscape, the comfort of simple and tasty food, the warmth of friendly faces will be your anchors.

Duration

Residencies take place between mid-November to end of March and may last from one to four weeks, with longer stays possible by arrangement.

What is provided

• Private accommodation in one of the residency houses
• Access to shared studio space
• Quiet environment for focused work
• Optional dialogue and exchange with the hosts
• Orientation to the island and local materials

Residents are responsible for their own materials, travel and daily living expenses.

Fees

Residency fees typically range between €450 and €650 per week, depending on accommodation and season.
Reduced weekly rates are available for longer stays.

Occasionally residencies may be supported through partner institutions or external funding.