A residency, a guesthouse, a shared library & a Garden

 After five years of inspiring experiences and extensive collaborations with artists in forced migration, as well as partnerships with various associations and institutions, it became clear for us, members of the association CEU, that in addition to supporting artistic expression there was also a need to create a caring, nurturing haven for artists, queer activists and feminists at risk. 

The political climate for outspoken artists and activists, particularly those living in conflict zones or in migration, remains perilous, their safety often threatened by oppressive regimes and hostile environments. Many artists and activists are enduring an accumulation of psychological trauma in their countries and some have been forced to leave their homes and communities. They are having to deal with significant trauma from both before and after their displacement, often compounded by social isolation and racism. 

From this perspective, we envision MAR as a space that not only facilitates artistic expression, but also plays a crucial role in rebuilding confidence and restoring well-being. MAR space is set in impressive grounds spanning 500m² in Eresos on the Greek island of Lesbos and has been designed as a place for freedom of expression, creativity and recuperation. It serves as an art residency with a shared library and a welcoming garden hosting a variety of cultural events.

The island of Lesbos is remarkable in terms of its stunning natural beauty as well a rich cultural history in which migration has played a key role – complementing our CEU mission. 

Lesbos is also in a region where there is increasing pressure in terms of migration on both a national and European level. Since its inception, CEU has shed light on the issue of migration, bringing together diverse perspectives, collaborative events and various forms of solidarity. 

Working alongside actors in a range of different fields (environmental, agricultural, social, artistic, etc.) has always been our modus operandi and continues to allow us to reflect on our impact on art and society.  By integrating environmentally conscious practices and sharing sustainable resource management, we have ensured that our residency will serve not only as a creative hub, but also work in harmony with nature. Our green approach is applied to a range of aspects of the residency including: reducing waste, resource conservation, and sustainable food choices supporting organic, local produce. We seek to build strong, meaningful relationships with local farmers who practice pesticide-free farming. 

We also aim to create links with the local community by organising events in the garden and other locations in direct collaboration with local groups and associations. 

Lesbos is also the island where Sappho “the Poetess”’ was born (7th century BC) and where she lived for most of her life, apart from her family's brief exile in Sicily. Called the Tenth Muse by Plato, Sappho was a prolific poet of ancient Greece. Sappho was as well musician, philosopher, educator and political activist. She will undoubtedly be a source of inspiration for many of our residents.