Choreographer Tzeni Argyriou assumes the position of Artistic Director of the Kalamata International Dance Festival.
As Tzeni Argyriou states:
“It is a great honour, as well as a great responsibility to assume the position of Artistic Director of the Kalamata International Dance Festival continuing the important work of my distinguished predecessors, Vicky Marangopoulou, Katerina Kassioumi and Linda Kapetanea. I would like to thank the Municipality of Kalamata for the trust shown in me and also to thank all the people who believed in this institution all these years, building its dynamic path. Regarding the programmation of the Festival, and specifically in the part of performances and side events composing the main body of the Festival, I believe it is important to include the diversity that characterizes contemporary art today. Thus, in addition to artistic works that speak exclusively through dance, forming the core of a dance festival, I would like to explore works that broaden the art of choreography by opening the dialogue with other arts, different media, scientific fields, artistic practices and other forms of expression. At the same time, the Festival can and should function as a supportive starting point for the development and promotion of emerging artists. I also expect to develop more links with the city, its landscape, its history and above all its people and the collectivities that live here. For this purpose, I would like to include in the annual program the commissioning of projects that actively involve the various communities of the city, while my vision is to expand the institution towards a more actively involved body in artistic creation throughout the year. My objective is for Kalamata to become the first integrated Dance Centre in Greece, which we lack so much. A Centre that will host artists, offering them a substantial basis for creation, research, presentation of works and experimentation on different practices and methods. A Centre that will encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge, the dialogue, the encounter and collaboration of artists, as well as the development of their international paths. To achieve all of the above, I will seek collaborations with cultural bodies and networks inside and outside of Greece, strengthening the extroversion and evolution of the institution. Despite the difficulties due to taking over in the middle of the year, we have started intensive and dedicated teamwork aiming to present the best possible 31st Kalamata International Dance Festival.”
According to the statement of Thanasis Vasilopoulos, Mayor of Kalamata:
“We welcome the new Artistic Director of the Kalamata International Dance Festival, choreographer Tzeni Argyriou, to whom we wholeheartedly wish success in her new duties. The Kalamata International Dance Festival continues its dynamic course. Respecting its history, but also daring to make changes. Changes that are always necessary for the development not only of the Kalamata International Dance Festival, but of every institution. I am sure that the assumption of duties as Artistic Director by choreographer Tzeni Argyriou will mark a new era of extroversion, creation, creative thinking and artistic renewal, continuing the tradition of the successful Artistic Directors that the Festival was lucky to have, such as Vicky Marangopoulou, Katerina Kassioumi and Linda Kapetanea.”
It is worth mentioning that the announcement of the results regarding the proposals submitted for the 31st Kalamata International Dance Festival has already started. Those interested will be informed of either a positive or negative response.
www.kalamatadancefestival.gr
About Tzeni Argyriou
Tzeni Argyriou (Kavala, 1977) is a choreographer, a graduate of the State School of Dance (1995–1998), and a recipient of the Onassis Foundation Scholarship (New York, 2000–2002). She is also a founding member and the artistic director of the company Amorphy (2003–present).
Since 2003, she has been working on the creation of original choreographic works, as well as the artistic curation and implementation of large-scale research-based artistic projects. Her work reflects a deep interest in interdisciplinarity, intermediality, and the convergence of art with science. In recent years, she has focused on the “analog” body, physical presence and communication, the concept of community, and collective expression.
Her aim is to strengthen shared physical experiences and social bonds.
Her works stand out for their innovative approach, emphasis on participation, and collaborative nature. Her role as the Artistic Director of Amorphy has enhanced her ability to manage complex artistic projects on an international level.
She has designed and produced numerous projects, choreographies, multimedia installations, interactive workshops, and participatory works that engage local residents and communities, activating various public spaces.
Since 2013, in collaboration with visual artist Vassilis Gerodimos, they co-create artworks that investigate the active dialogue between visual and performing arts, foreground and background, matter and body.
Notable works include MINTATI (2024), Elefsinio Kinima – part of the opening ceremony for the Eleusis 2023 European Capital of Culture (2023), SYNAXIS (2023), PHRASIS (2020–2022), SYNTHESIS (2020–2021), ANONYMO (2017–2018), Face to Phase (2017), MEMORANDUM(2013–2014), MEMORIA OBSCURA (2012), and Dr. MAYBE DARLING (2011). These works have been presented at festivals and institutions in Greece, Europe, and the United States, including: Greek National Opera (GR), Athens & Epidaurus Festival (GR), Onassis Stegi (GR), Peak Performances Festival (NY), Spring Performing Arts Festival Utrecht (NL), Rencontres Chorégraphiques Internationales de Seine-Saint-Denis (FR), Temps d’Images Festival, Tanzhaus NRW, Düsseldorf (DE), Théâtre des Bernardines, Marseille-Provence (FR), Kalamata International Dance Festival (GR), Benaki Museum (GR), MIR Festival (GR), Arc for Dance Festival (GR), Judson Church (NY).
Prominent organizations, institutions, and festivals, such as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation, NEON Organization for Culture and Development, Onassis Stegi, Athens & Epidaurus Festival, the Isadora & Raymond Duncan Dance Research Center, and the Ministry of Culture, have supported her work. She has also managed European programs, such as IMAP (EU Culture 2000), and many of her works have been showcased through international platforms and collaborations.
Since 2012, she has been teaching choreographic composition and improvisation at professional dance schools, as well as conducting numerous educational programs and workshops for professionals and amateurs in Greece and abroad.
The full statement by Tzeni Argyriou:
“I would like to start by thanking the Municipality of Kalamata for the trust shown in me. It is a great honor, as well as a great responsibility to assume the position of Artistic Director of the Kalamata International Dance Festival, which has been for 30 years one of the most important cultural events of the country, with strong international presence. To the success of the institution have contributed: the important work of my distinguished predecessors, Vicky Maragopoulou, Katerina Kasioumi and Linda Kapetanea, the artists and workers in the field of Dance who have provided to the Festival valuable and multidimensional input, the Festival’s audience, as well as the City of Kalamata and its inhabitants, who have embraced and loved Dance and the Festival all these years.
My purpose is to keep the positive elements that have been achieved within these 30 years, and which continue to fulfill a purpose in the present day, as well as to add new artistic ideas, searches and collaborations through my own vision.
Regarding the curatorial work, and specifically in the part of performances and side events composing the main body of the artistic program, I consider it important to include the diversity that characterizes contemporary art today. Thus, in addition to artistic works that speak exclusively through dance, forming the core of the Festival, I would like to explore works that broaden the art of choreography by opening the dialogue with other arts, different media, scientific fields, artistic practices and other forms of expression.
Beyond the performances hosted inside the theatres, we want Dance to remain a performative event that also happens outdoors, in the public space, which activates and “enlivens” different parts of the city but also of the wider Region of the Peloponnese, continuing and reinforcing the expansion of the Festival.
I intend to develop more links with the city, its landscape, its history and above all its people and the collectivities that live here. For this purpose, I would like to include in the annual program the commissioning of projects that actively involve the different communities of the city.
The Festival, furthermore, can and should act as a starting point for the development and promotion of new artists, amplifying their voice and enriching the dance scene with original ideas and approaches.
Finally, in my vision is the expansion of the institution towards a more actively involved body in artistic creation throughout the year. I think it is the right time to have programming for actions throughout the year, such as artist hosting programs for research and creation. My goal is for Kalamata to become the first integrated Dance Centre in Greece, which we lack so much. A Centre that will host artists, offering them a substantial basis for research, creation and presentation of works, experimentation on different practices and methods, a Centre that will encourage the exchange of ideas and knowledge, the dialogue, the encounter and collaboration of artists, as well as the development of their international paths.
In order to achieve all of the above, I will seek collaborations with cultural institutions and networks inside and outside of Greece, thus strengthening the extroversion and the evolution of the institution.
Despite the difficulties due to taking over in the middle of the year, I am starting with determination, intensive and dedicated work, and I promise that I will give my best to present the best possible 31st Kalamata International Dance Festival.”
