Another successful completion of the Dry Stone Workshop “The Amorgian Craftrsmanship”!

THE ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION ON DRY STONE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION IN GREECE

A central event of this year’s Workshop was the round table discussion which was realised on Wednesday 23 October 2024 , on the topic of training and certification of the art of stone in Greece. The event was initiated by Ioannis Tsiaousis, president of the Association Blossoming Stones, based in Langadia, Arcadia, who presented the conditions and strategy for the creation of Stone Schools. In continuation, Ioulia Papaeftychiou, Dr Architect, presented the dry stone workshops and institutions already in place, Kenneth Curran’s presentation focused on training and certification models in other countries, and the educational team of the C.E.E.S. of Korthion, Andros Island, talked about the link between dry stone training and the primary and secondary education.

During the fruitful discussion that followed, thoughts were expressed regarding the incentives for a professional engagement with stone, the peculiarities of insular communities, the connection with tourism and the general prospects of the craft. An optimistic conclusion was that an increasing interest in the art of dry stone is noted lately, with more and more workshops organised, as well as the development of a common, collective feeling among islands. This feeling seems to give rise to a network of places characterised by common elements but also specific peculiarities, especially in regards to dry stone structures and techniques, which should be understood and embedded in the craft training. Given the urgency of the matter, as testified by the intense environmental challenges faced by the islands, which do not allow for many years of designing and implementing a complete strategy, as is already the case in mainland Greece, an alternative scheme was suggested. This could include workshops similar to those already organised, but in a more coordinated manner, ideally under the supervision of an governmental body, and with some form of constant funding.

This last thoughts and suggestions comprise the most important conclusion of the round table discussion and it was proposed that it set the starting point for the next discussion on the matter, due to take place during the Dry Stone Week which the Association “Ambassada” will organise on the island of Tinos in the end of November.

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES AT THE SCHOOLS OF AMORGOS BY THE C.E.E.S. OF KORTHION, ANDROS ISLAND

On Tuesday 22, Wednesday 23 and Thursday 24 October 2024, the educational team of the Centre of Education for the Environment and Sustainability (C.E.E.S.) of Korthion, Andros Island, realised educational activities for the pupils of the schools of Amorgos. The C.E.E.S. of Korthion is the only such centre in Greece that has designed and is implementing a programme specialised on dry stone, including activities for primary and secondary pupils, as well as teachers.

On Tuesday 22 October 2024, the educational team of the C.E.E.S. of Korthion realised activities with the pupils of the Primary School of Aegiali, including a presentation and participatory tasks, as well as a walk on the path of Aegiali-Langada.

On Wednesday 23 October 2024, activities were realised with the pupils of the High School of Amorgos in Chora.

Finally, on Thursday 24 October 2024, the activities were realised with the pupils of the Vocational High School of Amorgos, including a walk on a path close to Chora.

Overall, the Workshop concluded in a collective, optimistic spirit, as more and more similar projects are organised by groups on more and more islands. Most importantly, these groups communicate and coordinate with each other, resulting in an increased awareness regarding the dry stone craft, as well as the landscape created by this craft over the centuries, an indispensable element of the Cycladic identity.

The 3rd Dry Stone Workshop “The Amorgian Craftsmanship” was implemented with the funding of the Initiative of the Museum of Cycladic Art, Cycladic Identity, under the auspices and co-funding of the Ministry of Culture and the General Secretariat of the Aegean and Island Policy. The Round Table on the Education and Training of the Stone Craft was funded by the Cyclades Preservation Fund (CPFand ferry transfers were partially sponsored by Blue Star Ferries.

For the educational activities for teachers and students, The Mitato of Amorgos collaborated with the Centre of Education for the Environment and Sustainability of Korthion, Andros Island.

The project was realised under the auspices of the Municipality of Amorgos.

For more information about Cycladic Identityvisit www.cycladicidentity.en.