Page 52 - ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL 2024

ATHENS RIVIERA JOURNAL
word of mouth Gain the skies

F ocusing on culture, Biodiversity and Intangible Heritage,

Cycladic Identity serves as a platform for attracting and allocat-
ing resources to programs implemented by organizations active
on the islands.
The initiative represents a natural evolution of the Museum of
Cycladic Art’s many years of work. This is the Museum’s first or-
ganized effort to expand its mission to give back to the Cycladic
islands, where the Cycladic civilization was born 5.000 years ago
by supporting impactful projects. Recognizing Culture, Biodi-
versity and Intangible Heritage as structural elements of the Cy-
cladic identity, the initiative seeks to create a lively dialogue with
the local communities of the islands in order to map their needs
and support programs aimed at preserving this identity.
The evaluation of the submitted proposals is carried out by the Scientific Commit-
tee of Cycladic Identity, which consists of four members with deep knowledge and
understanding of the unique characteristics and needs of the Cyclades, due to their
long-term professional activity in the field: Dr Demetrios Athanasoulis, Director of
the Ephorate of Antiquities of Cyclades, Dr Michael Boyd, Senior Research Affiliate,
Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center, The Cyprus
Institute, Demetres Karavellas, CEO of WWF Greece and Dr Angeliki Kosmopoulou,
Archaeologist, Executive Director of the Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foun-
dation. The final selection of proposals involves the Advisory Committee of the ini-
tiative, which provides, since its inception, significant funding and contributes to the
development of its strategy.
As stated by the President and CEO of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Sandra Marinop-
oulou: “The Museum of Cycladic Art would not exist without the Cycladic islands
and their civilization. We wish our Museum to give back to the Cyclades, in a sustain-
able and meaningful way. That’s how the idea of the Cycladic Identity initiative was
born. We feel that it is important to be part of the Cyclades, to protect them in order
to preserve their Cycladic identity. Our goal is to stay close to local communities and
to identify their needs. To be their supporters and their partners. Today, local societies
are more vulnerable than ever to increased tourism, the abandonment of traditional
customs and their rituals, but also climate change. Cycladic Identity seeks to provide
the means and motivate the islanders to actively participate in the preservation of their
own heritage. Its elements are what has shaped local communities from the past to the
present and hold the potential to lead them to a sustainable future.”
At the beginning of its action, Cycladic Identity addressed an invitation to the repre-
sentatives of the local government of the islands and presented its vision and operat-
ing mechanism to mayors, deputy mayors and councilors. Τhe initiative also met and
discussed with 34 organizations that it subsequently invited to participate in the call
that opened at the beginning of the year. The submission deadline was February 20,
2023, and Cycladic Identity received 24 complete program applications, covering a
total of 14 islands within the Cyclades. These applications were evaluated on the ba-
sis of a predetermined list of criteria by the members of the Scientific Committee and
on March 31, 9 proposals were selected on 8 Cycladic islands, specifically Amorgos,
Andros, Donoussa, Ios, Kea (2 programs), Mykonos, Paros, & Sikinos. The programs www.gainjet.com
are: “Ancient Quarries of Paros - Stability and accessibility of underground tunnels” by
NGO “Paros Ancient Marble Quarries Park”, “Traditional water management practic- GIVING BACK TO CYCLADES
es in the central mountainous area of Andros: Recording, preservation, interpretation The culture encountered in the archaeological sites
and the historic structures, the unique biodiversity
and promotion actions” by Andros Research Center, “Recounting and documenting expressed in the local flora and fauna, the rich heritage
the art of dry stone walling (xerolithia)” by the Municipal Enterprise for the Environ- infiltrating everyday life, all represent values prioritized
mental Protection, Education and Development of Mykonos, “Recording tradition- by the Cycladic Identity initiative.
al instrument players of Kea to safeguard, preserve and promote traditional music as
intangible cultural heritage” by the Municipal Public Benefit Organization of Kea, From above: Potter in Sifnos.
Fisherman in Amorgos.
“Development of a website for hosting, maintaining, and promoting the Oral History Art of dry stone walling.
Archive of Donoussa” by POSEIDON Cultural and Environmental Association of > Anemon Productions ©Museum of Cycladic Art.

052