AC-HydraNight-Banner.png

ArtCinema launches its Summer Prelude Programme in June 2026, coinciding with Hydra’s annual cultural calendar, including the opening of the DESTE Foundation’s Project Slaughterhouse exhibition featuring Jamaican artist Nari Ward and the island’s historic Miaoulia Festival celebrating Greek independence.

Beginning in June, ArtCinema welcomes its 2026 artist residencies, featuring New York artists Rob Pruitt and Jonathan Horowitz, returning alumnus Canadian painter Stephen Appleby-Barr, and Indian multidisciplinary artist Annu Yadav, who will collaborate with local artists and visiting art delegations from Athens, Saudi Arabia, and India.

As part of the programme, ArtCinema will collaborate with Rob Pruitt on a new iteration of his renowned Flea Market project - an informal, artist-led marketplace first launched in 1999 and presented internationally from New York to the Venice Biennale - now taking place in Hydra on June 23. Please scroll down for your invitation to take part.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Draw Salon with Stephen Appleby-Barr
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

ArtCinema is delighted to welcome back ArtCinema alumnus and devoted animal lover Stephen Appleby-Barr, who will lead a complimentary drawing salon bringing together artists, patrons, and the local community.

  • Participants will collaborate on a collective artwork using oil, gouache, and Sennelier oil sticks, inspired by the expressive studies of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The salon invites guests of all abilities to explore observation, creativity, and artistic exchange in a relaxed and engaging setting.

    During his time in Hydra, Stephen will also continue his celebrated series of Hydra cat paintings. In support of the island’s animal welfare efforts, 100% of proceeds from these works will be donated towards establishing Hydra’s much-needed veterinary clinic. Join us for an afternoon of art, community, and philanthropy, celebrating both creativity and compassion on Hydra.

    BIOGRAPHY: Stephen Appleby-Barr is a London-based painter whose richly atmospheric oil paintings conjure dreamlike, uncanny worlds - drawing on the techniques of Old Masters while speaking to a wholly contemporary sensibility. His work has been exhibited and collected across Canada, the United States and Europe, with four solo shows at Robilant+Voena in London, Paris and Milan.

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Rob Pruitt’s Beauty Salon
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

Ahead of the official opening of his latest site-specific exhibition in Hydra, American contemporary artist Rob Pruitt invites locals and visitors alike to step into Rob Pruitt's Beauty Salon—a playful and participatory artwork located in the bustling shopping lanes of Hydra's main port.

  • The Beauty Salon offers guests the opportunity to talk about art, creativity, and community while choosing from one of two complimentary services: a free haircut or a nail treatment.

    Known internationally for blurring the boundaries between art and everyday life, Pruitt transforms the simple rituals of self-care into a shared creative experience, inviting conversation, connection, and a touch of glamour.

    Join us for this unique Hydra happening and become part of the artwork itself.

8:00 PM

DESTE Foundation Opening
Location: Project Slaughterhouse

This year, Deste Foundation's Slaughterhouse Project on Hydra will feature Until That Day, an exhibition by Nari Ward.

  • Nari Ward (b. 1963, St. Andrew, Jamaica; lives and works in New York), who is renowned for his sculptural installations composed of discarded material found and collected in his neighborhood. By re-contextualizing these found objects, Ward creates thought-provoking juxtapositions that address social and political issues surrounding race, poverty, and consumer culture.

DESTE Foundation: Street Party & Greek Street Food
Location: Hydra Main Port

9:00 PM

DESTE Foundation’s annual celebratory party, which spills into the streets of Hydra and welcomes all to join.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Draw Salon with Stephen Appleby-Barr
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

ArtCinema is delighted to welcome back ArtCinema alumnus and devoted animal lover Stephen Appleby-Barr, who will lead a complimentary drawing salon bringing together artists, patrons, and the local community.

  • Participants will collaborate on a collective artwork using oil, gouache, and Sennelier oil sticks, inspired by the expressive studies of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The salon invites guests of all abilities to explore observation, creativity, and artistic exchange in a relaxed and engaging setting.

    During his time in Hydra, Stephen will also continue his celebrated series of Hydra cat paintings. In support of the island’s animal welfare efforts, 100% of proceeds from these works will be donated towards establishing Hydra’s much-needed veterinary clinic. Join us for an afternoon of art, community, and philanthropy, celebrating both creativity and compassion on Hydra.

    BIOGRAPHY: Stephen Appleby-Barr is a London-based painter whose richly atmospheric oil paintings conjure dreamlike, uncanny worlds - drawing on the techniques of Old Masters while speaking to a wholly contemporary sensibility. His work has been exhibited and collected across Canada, the United States and Europe, with four solo shows at Robilant+Voena in London, Paris and Milan.

Rob Pruitt’s Beauty Salon Exhibition Opening
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Join us for the official unveiling of Rob Pruitt's Beauty Salon, a new site-specific exhibition by acclaimed American contemporary artist Rob Pruitt, created especially for Hydra and inspired by the island itself.

  • Located in the bustling shopping lanes of Hydra's main port, locals and visitors alike are invited to step inside and experience both the artist’s previous and new work firsthand. Guests are also invited to meet the artist and choose from one of two complimentary services: a free haircut or a nail treatment. Along the way, visitors are encouraged to engage in conversations about art, creativity, community, and life itself.

    Known internationally for blurring the boundaries between art and everyday experience, Pruitt transforms simple acts of self-care into a shared artistic encounter, creating a work that is as much about human connection as it is about aesthetics.

    Taking place during the DESTE Foundation's annual celebrations, which spill into the streets of Hydra and welcome everyone to participate, this special opening embodies the island's unique spirit of accessibility, creativity, and cultural exchange.

7:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Rob Pruitt’s Hydra Flea Market
Location: Historical Archives Museum Of Hydra

Rob Pruitt, in collaboration with ArtCinema and Powerhouse Arts, are thrilled to announce Rob Pruitt’s Hydra Flea Market, a community-minded participatory art concept first launched by Rob in 1999.

The project reimagines the traditional flea market as a living artwork, where artists, collaborators, and friends are invited to set up informal stalls and offer whatever they choose - ranging from original artworks and studio remnants to personal objects, found materials, and unconventional collectibles. Music and food are warmly welcome too!

  • To join the Hydra Flea Market on June 23, please submit your interest HERE

8:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Deste Foundation: Artist Talk
Location: Gardenia Open-Air Cinema

Deste Foundation Event: Artist Talk: Nari Ward in Conversation with Massimiliano Gioni.

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Draw Salon with Stephen Appleby Barr
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

ArtCinema is delighted to welcome back ArtCinema alumnus and devoted animal lover Stephen Appleby-Barr, who will lead a complimentary drawing salon bringing together artists, patrons, and the local community.

  • Participants will collaborate on a collective artwork using oil, gouache, and Sennelier oil sticks, inspired by the expressive studies of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. The salon invites guests of all abilities to explore observation, creativity, and artistic exchange in a relaxed and engaging setting.

    During his time in Hydra, Stephen will also continue his celebrated series of Hydra cat paintings. In support of the island’s animal welfare efforts, 100% of proceeds from these works will be donated towards establishing Hydra’s much-needed veterinary clinic. Join us for an afternoon of art, community, and philanthropy, celebrating both creativity and compassion on Hydra.

    BIOGRAPHY: Stephen Appleby-Barr is a London-based painter whose richly atmospheric oil paintings conjure dreamlike, uncanny worlds - drawing on the techniques of Old Masters while speaking to a wholly contemporary sensibility. His work has been exhibited and collected across Canada, the United States and Europe, with four solo shows at Robilant+Voena in London, Paris and Milan.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | 4:00 - 7:00 PM

Rob Pruitt’s Beauty Salon Exhibition Opening Hours
Location: Pop-Up Site, Details To Come

Visit our daily June summer exhibition of Rob Pruitt's Beauty Salon, a new site-specific work by acclaimed American contemporary artist Rob Pruitt, created especially for Hydra.

  • Located in the bustling shopping lanes of Hydra's main port, locals and visitors alike are invited to step inside and experience the artist's work firsthand. During select and unexpected appointments, some visitors will have the chance to choose from one of two complimentary services offered by Rob: a free haircut or a nail treatment. Along the way, guests are encouraged to engage in conversations about art, creativity, community, and life itself.

    Known internationally for blurring the boundaries between art and everyday experience, Pruitt transforms simple acts of self-care into a shared artistic encounter, creating a work that is as much about human connection as it is about aesthetics.

    Come and experience this extraordinary new work—and become part of the artwork itself.

Welcome Drinks - Celebrating Hydra Cinema Club
Location: Gardenia Open-Air Cinema

7:30 PM

JOIN US To celebrate Hydra’s cinematic history and the unveiling of the Gardenia Open-Air Cinema sign.

  • Ahead of the film marking 70 years since Hollywood’s first production in Greece, Boy on a Dolphin (1956)—which inspired ArtCinema’s documentary Hydra & Sophia: Echoes of a Dolphin—we gather to honour the legacy of the Gardenia Open-Air Cinema.

    As part of this celebration, we will unveil a commemorative sign marking the cinema’s original opening in 1953. This moment will serve as a welcome gathering for locals who wish to celebrate Hydra’s cinematic history, including those who participated in the film, as well as the artists who designed the new sign.

    The sign is the work of four Hydra-based artist friends—Jacqueline Savidge, Dimitris Fousekis, Maribe Lambert, and Andreas Horstmann—who share a deep love of cinema. Their collaboration stands as a true expression of collective creativity and friendship, echoing the collaborative spirit of filmmaking itself.

9:00 PM | Screening Commences

Hydra & Sophia: Echoes of the Dolphin
Location: Gardenia Open-Air Cinema

To honour the Hydriot spirit of Miaoulia Week in Hydra, ArtCinema will present a special screening of Hydra & Sophia: Echoes of a Dolphin, our short film celebrating the island’s cinematic history, heritage, resilience, and cultural memory.

  • This film marks ArtCinema’s first official film production—an AI-enhanced documentary inspired by the story of Greece’s first Hollywood production filmed in Hydra. In 1956, Italian icon Sophia Loren arrived on the island to star in Boy on a Dolphin, marking a pivotal moment that forever linked Hydra to her international legacy.

    Our tribute explores how that encounter between Greece, Italy, and Hollywood brought Hydra’s beauty and culture to a global audience, shaping its cinematic mythology.

    Last year, we interviewed Hydriots who remember that era firsthand. Blending personal stories, rare archival material, and performances by Hydra residents, the film is deeply shaped by the community itself. We are profoundly grateful to the islanders and local voices who shared their memories and helped bring this story to life.

    This 30-minute experimental short documentary, filmed entirely on Hydra, is directed by acclaimed Greek filmmaker Antonis Sotiropoulos, produced by Georgia Andreou, and originated and produced by ArtCinema founder Amanda Palmer.

    Excitingly, new material is now emerging, with previously unseen stories and images being discovered, marking the beginning of a feature-length project scheduled for completion next year to coincide with the 70th anniversary of the international release of Boy on a Dolphin in 1957.

10:00 PM | Screening Commences

The Birthday Party
Location: Gardenia Open-Air Cinema

We are delighted to announce the Hydra Island Premiere of The Birthday Party, the acclaimed new drama directed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and based on the bestselling novel by Panos Karnezis.

  • Presented by the author himself, this special screening takes place ahead of the film’s Greek theatrical release on July 2, distributed by Rosebud.21.

    The film premiered at last year’s Locarno Film Festival and stars Willem Dafoe as Marcos Timoleon, a powerful shipping magnate. Set in the late 1970s on a private Mediterranean island, the story unfolds during an extravagant birthday celebration for his daughter and sole heir, Sofia. As the evening becomes increasingly decadent, long-buried tensions rise to the surface, leading to an unforgettable confrontation.

    Filmed entirely in Greece, including Corfu and Athens, The Birthday Party is a compelling story of family, power, inheritance, and ambition.

HOW TO BUY TICKETS

Tickets are available at the Gardenia box office as a donation.

The box office will be open 21–24 June, from 10:00–11:00 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM each day. A suggested minimum donation of €10 applies, with proceeds going towards a local cause.

Only 145 tickets are available for each screening, with strictly limited seating.

11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

FROM PAGE TO SCREEN: BOOK SIGNING WITH PANOS KARNEZIS - AUTHOR OF THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
Location: An Experiential Site, Details To Come

In collaboration with the historic Hydra Book Store, under the new ownership of local Hydriot and cultural enthusiast Stamatia Vlachodimitri, we are delighted to co-host a book signing and artist talk with acclaimed author Panos Karnezis, writer of the bestselling novel The Birthday Party—now adapted into a major international film starring Willem Dafoe.

  • Following the Hydra Island Premiere screening of The Birthday Party the night before, this special event offers audiences the opportunity to meet the author, hear more about the journey from page to screen, and purchase signed copies of the book.

    The feature film The Birthday Party premiered at last year’s Locarno Film Festival and stars Willem Dafoe as Marcos Timoleon, a powerful shipping magnate. ArtCinema is proud to present this special island premiere and to mark the first of what we hope will be many collaborations with the Hydra Book Store.

Hydra honors the 190th anniversary of the death of legendary Admiral Andreas Miaoulis with the island’s annual two-week festival, culminating on the weekend of June 27–28 with celebrations, naval reenactments, and fireworks over the harbor.

  • 11:30 | Reception of representatives of the Hellenic Navy and the battleship participating in the celebrations.
    📍 Kavos Fortress

    19:30 | Transfer of the urn containing the heart of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis.

    Procession from the Historical Archive-Museum to the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

    20:30 | Reception of Official Guests. Hosted by the Mayor and Municipal Council.
    📍 Historic Town Hall

    21:45 | Official address by the Mayor of Hydra, Georgios E. Koukoudakis

    22:00 | “Our Fleet, Our Only Consolation” Miaoulia 2026 Spectacle. Featuring the ceremonial burning of a model Ottoman frigate.

    A large-scale historical re-enactment commemorating:
    Andreas Miaoulis
    The Siege of Messolonghi
    The contribution of the Greek fleet

    Includes:
    Theatrical scenes
    Projection effects
    Fireworks display
    Choreographed pyrotechnics
    📍 Hydra Harbour

  • 07:00 | Bell ringing and Archieratic Divine Liturgy
    📍 Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary

    08:00 | Raising of the Greek Flag
    📍 Kavos Fortress

    10:30 | Official Doxology

    11:00 | Official delegation proceeds to Kavos Fortress

    Memorial service and wreath-laying at the tomb and statue of Admiral Andreas Miaoulis.

    12:00 | Official delegation proceeds to the pier of the Merchant Marine Academy.

    Ceremony of wreath casting into the sea in honour of the naval heroes of 1821.

    Includes:
    Saluting cannon fire
    National Anthem by the Naval Band
    Official Luncheon
    📍 Sunset Restaurant
    (By invitation only)

    21:00 | “From Hydra Harbour to the Lagoon of Messolonghi”
    “A Journey into Legend”
    Presented by Hydra General Lyceum.
    📍 Hydra Harbour

Rob Pruitt, in collaboration with ArtCinema and Powerhouse Arts, are thrilled to announce Rob Pruitt’s Hydra Flea Market, a community-minded participatory art concept first launched by Rob in 1999.

The project reimagines the traditional flea market as a living artwork, where artists, collaborators, and friends are invited to set up informal stalls and offer whatever they choose - ranging from original artworks and studio remnants to personal objects, found materials, and unconventional collectibles. Music and food are warmly welcome too!

  • Dear Friends of Hydra,

    ArtCinema and Powerhouse Arts are delighted to be collaborating with American artist Rob Pruitt on an upcoming edition of his long-running Flea Market project. The event will take place in Hydra on Tuesday, June 23, from 7-12pm at the Historical Archives Museum Of Hydra.

    Since 1999, Rob has organised Flea Markets with artists at museums, galleries, and fairs from New York and London to the Venice Biennale. Each iteration is shaped by its participants and is intended to be lively, informal, and open-ended.

    Inspired by the ancient Greek tradition of the Euergetes - the “Benefactor” - ArtCinema’s non-profit honours a spirit of generosity among those who wish to empower the next generation of artists to thrive through patronage and support.

    In this same spirit of compassionate care and reciprocity, Rob Pruitt’s Flea Market edition is designed to give back to the Hydra arts community and the island’s wider creative ecosystem. The market will raise funds for a series of charitable initiatives, including free summer art and film programme for Hydra teenagers, artist residency opportunities - including support for a Hydra-based artist residency to be announced - and contributions toward establishing a much-needed veterinary clinic on the island.

    Each participating artist will be provided with a table and folding chair. You are invited to sell artworks, artist-made objects (from ceramics to editions), or traditional flea-market discoveries (clothing, books, vintage vinyl.) Offering food and music are warmly welcomed.

    Artists will set their own prices, and in keeping with the ethos of giving, participants are invited to make a voluntary contribution in support of one of the selected event causes. We kindly suggest that artists or buyers donate 20% of the value of works or items, though contributions of any amount are greatly appreciated.

    PowerHouse Arts and ArtCinema (Greece) are both registered non-profits and we can facilitate electronic sales and tax deductible charity donations during the market and the following days.

    To register your interest to take part, please fill out the form HERE. We will share updates via our website and social media.

    For any specific questions, please WhatsApp Airinie, our ArtCinema non-profit Manager, at +30 698 383 4581.

    Flea Market Schedule:

    Tuesday, June 23 | 7pm - 12am

    We hope you will join us for what promises to be a generous, community-driven evening.

    Warm regards,
    Amanda Palmer, Founder of ArtCinema & Eric Shiner, President of Powerhouse Arts

To join the Hydra Flea Market on June 23, please submit your interest below

SIGN UP HERE

2026 SUMMER ART RESIDENCIES

MEET THE ARTISTS


R E S I D E N C I E S A N D E X H I B I T I O N S C U R A T E D B Y

ERIC SHINER

PRESIDENT OF POWERHOUSE ARTS, NEW YORK CITY

As President of Powerhouse Arts, Brooklyn, NY, and a valued art advisor to ArtCinema, Eric Shiner brings exceptional leadership and vision to this year’s art program. Eric is a prominent figure in the contemporary art world, widely recognised for his leadership across major art institutions.

ARTCINEMA & POWERHOUSE ARTS

Powerhouse Arts will collaborate with ArtCinema as part of this year’s combined cultural alliance spanning residencies, exhibitions, and international cultural exchange.

The curated exhibitions across the island of Hydra are timed to coincide with the annual program of the DESTE Foundation for Contemporary Art, as well as ArtCinema’s flagship event, ArtCinema Hydra, taking place from October 1-4.

This partnership aims to support Hydra’s legacy as an artists’ island and a global cultural platform - bridging international and Greek artists, collectors, and cultural leaders through dynamic, site-specific programming.

FILM SCREENING:

HYDRA & SOPHIA: ECHOES OF THE DOLPHIN

Wednesday 24th June | 21:00 | Gardenia Open Air Cinema

This film marks ArtCinema’s first official film production - an AI-enhanced documentary that tells the story of Sophia Loren arriving in Hydra in 1956 to star in what would become Greece’s first Hollywood film and changed Hydra forever.

We are planning a special June screening to invite our friends and patrons to help us complete this special community project - which features interviews of local legends of Hydra. Our goal is to develop the film into a feature and present it at international film festivals in 2026-2027, commemorating the 70th anniversary of Sophia Loren’s in Hydra.

Directed and co-produced by Antonis Sotiropoulos, co-written with Georgia Andreou, and originated by ArtCinema's founder and producer Amanda Palmer, this work-in-progress has already received strong press reviews when it screened at ArtCinema Hydra on October 4 last year as

Looking ahead to 2027, we also plan to celebrate The Riders, the acclaimed novel by Tim Winton, which is now a film shot in Hydra, as part of our continued film programming.

READ MORE ABOUT HOW SOPHIA LOREN CHANGED HYDRA FOREVER HERE

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY

Wednesday 24 June | 22:00
Gardenia Open-Air Cinema

A Hydra Island Premiere, presented by Panos Karnezis, author of the bestselling novel.

  • We are delighted to announce the Hydra Island Premiere of The Birthday Party, the acclaimed new drama directed by Miguel Ángel Jiménez and based on the bestselling novel by Panos Karnezis.

    Presented by the author himself, this special screening takes place ahead of the film’s Greek theatrical release on July 2, distributed by Rosebud.21.

    The film premiered at last year’s Locarno Film Festival and stars Willem Dafoe as Marcos Timoleon, a powerful shipping magnate.

    Set in the late 1970s on a private Mediterranean island, the story unfolds during an extravagant birthday celebration for his daughter and sole heir, Sofia. As the evening becomes increasingly decadent, long-buried tensions rise to the surface, leading to an unforgettable confrontation.

    Filmed entirely in Greece, including Corfu and Athens, The Birthday Party is a compelling story of family, power, inheritance, and ambition.

    Tickets are available from the Gardenia box office in exchange for a donation.

    The box office will be open from 21-24 June, between 10:00–11:00am and 5:00–7:00pm daily.

    A suggested minimum donation of €10 applies, with proceeds supporting a local community cause.

COMMUNITY DRAW SALON

OPEN STUDIO · DRAWING SALON · LIVE CREATIVE SESSIONS

Our Community-minded Artists Drawing Salon & Collective Work

ArtCinema is thrilled to welcome back Canadian painter, ArtCinema alumnus, and devoted animal lover Stephen Appleby-Barr, who will complete his Hydra study of cat paintings on Hydra. The works have been generously donated, with 100% of proceeds directed toward supporting Hydra’s much-needed veterinary clinic. An exhibition will follow.
From June 17, Stephen Appleby-Barr will also host a week-long pop-up Drawing Salon, bringing together artists, patrons, and the local community to create a collective artwork using oil, gouache, and Sennelier oil sticks, inspired by the expressive studies of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Annu Yadav, an ArtCinema alumnus, and local Hydra artist Dimitris Fousekis will also participate, leading workshops that foster creative exchange rooted in the island’s artistic community. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.

ARTCINEMA WELCOMES BACK OUR ALUMNI ARTISTS


DESTE FOUNDATION’S PROJECT SLAUGHTERHOUSE

EXHIBITION FEATURING NARI WARD

This year, the Slaughterhouse Project on Hydra will feature Until That Day, an exhibition by Nari Ward. Renowned for his sculptural installations composed of discarded material found and collected in his neighborhood

READ MORE

LOCAL ART ATTRACTIONS

Explore the many museums and attractions on the island of Hydra dedicated to the artistry and history of the island.

READ MORE

OUR HIGHLIGHTS FROM OCTOBER 2025