An innovative artist in residence programme on environment and sustainability on the island of Tilos in Greece as part of our Circular Cultures I Making Matters programme | A partnership between the British Council and PCAI
Continuing to develop this artist residency is of particular importance for the Circular Cultures programme, which is deeply rooted in the prestigious British Council global programme Making Matters. By providing a platform for diverse artists to immerse themselves in this multidisciplinary programme, we aim to unlock the immense potential for creativity, collaboration and regenerative thinking.
The Tilos Artist Residency aims to explore how the principles of the circular economy can inspire creativity, collaboration and regenerative thinking in architecture, design crafts, materials and urban design. The residency aims to focus on the concept of an island within the context of an urban design collective’s work and explore new ways of working with the community with a focus on sustainability, waste and the public space on the island of Tilos.
The residency is organised as part of Polygreen Culture & Art Initiative (PCAI)’s collaboration with the Municipality of Tilos.
Just Go Zero Tilos, an innovative environmental project powered by Polygreen, was launched on the island in 2022 aiming to develop solutions that promote circular economy and sustainability, and make Tilos the first zero waste island in Greece.
Following last year’s creative residency with RESOLVE Collective, the British Council and PCAI have invited British artists from the POoR Collective (Power Out of Restriction) to join us for the 2024 edition of the Tilos Artist Residency as part of the Circular Cultures (Making Matters) programme.
POoR is a socially minded organisation that focuses on the development of communities through the elevation of young people. They see the power of the younger generation and seek to get young voices heard.
They are a design practice that works with young people to create tangible outputs in their local environments. Their services include designing and creating murals, pavilions and architecture. Through knowledge sharing and design, they aim to bridge the gap between communities, bring together a wealth of demographics and empower the youth of today.
At POoR, genuine engagement is achieved through the community’s stake in each project. Meaningful involvement promotes ownership, empowerment and knowledge sharing. They have worked with organisations including the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Royal College of Art, Design Museum, South London Gallery, Wandsworth Borough of London Council, Merton Council and the London Borough of Bexley.
In March 2024, the POoR collective led one of the strands at the Circular Cultures Design School in Athens, which was organised in collaboration with the Onassis Foundation’s international digital arts programme Onassis ONX. As part of the ‘Materiality’ strand, they explored the tangible elements that comprise public spaces, focusing on the art of sustainable placemaking.
Information
For further information, please contact Maria Papaioannou at Maria.Papaioannou@britishcouncil.gr.