For two eventful weeks in the still-sweltering heat of Cyprus’s September 2026, I took part in an artists’ residency that culminated in the three-day Xarkis Festival, where I worked as Communications Officer.

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This year’s festival brought together 24 artists from around the world in collaboration with Contested Desires: Constructive Dialogues, with co-funding from the European Union’s Creative Europe programme.

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My work began with research into the complex colonial history of Kalavasos. Through conversations with local residents and international artists, workshops exploring Cypriot traditions, and educational trips around the area, I gathered stories and perspectives that helped inform the festival’s communications.

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I turned this research and shared experience into written material, curated a selection of festival photography, and consulted on communication visuals. The role required sensitivity to place and history, as well as the ability to bring different voices and experiences together through clear, engaging storytelling.

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For me, Xarkis was an opportunity to use communications not simply to promote an event, but to help tell the deeper stories behind it.

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Below is a selection of moments from the residency and festival.