About the retreat
Descover: Chios is a residency that aims to push the boundaries of what artists know, bring inspiration and create a discussion around art through cultural immersion. This two-week residency, situated on the Greek island of Chios, focuses on what the power of collaboration and community can create, whilst drawing inspiration from the stunning island of known for its rich history, distinctive villages, dramatic landscapes, and long-standing connection to art, culture, and craft.
All artistic disciplines are welcome and a community is built, where people can live and work together, not only sharing their knowledge but also gaining from others. Descoverartists creates a “home” for all artists where they can be inspired and focus on their art. The retreat aspires to become a friendly creative platform where people can unite as creatives to collaborate, create and inspire.
Who the retreat is for
This retreat is well-suited to independent artists at any stage of their practice, including writers, visual artists, designers, musicians, photographers, and interdisciplinary practitioners, who are looking for dedicated time for the creative practice, a change of environment, and the freedom to work at their own pace.
It is particularly suited to those who may feel a little stuck, are looking for fresh ideas or inspiration, or simply want to step away from their usual routine and reconnect with the enjoyment of creating.
Living alongside other artists is an important part of the experience. While everyone has their own practice and their own time, the retreat creates opportunities for conversations, shared ideas, feedback, and collaboration to happen naturally. Residents are encouraged to share their work, exchange perspectives, and propose ideas or activities for the group, but there is no obligation to participate.
The aim is to create a balance between independence and community: a space where you can focus on your own work while being surrounded by people who are also making, thinking, experimenting, and exploring.
How artists typically work here
There is no prescribed way to use your time at Descoverartists.
Most residents come with a personal project, research, or an area of their practice they want to develop. Some use the time to work intensively and make progress on something they have been putting off. Others use it to experiment, read, write, make, think, or explore ideas without needing to arrive at a particular outcome.
The environment is intentionally open. You might spend a whole day working in the studio, take your work outside, explore our village, or end up discussing an idea over dinner with another resident.
Collaboration is encouraged, but never required. Residents are welcome to share their work, exchange feedback, propose an informal workshop, start a conversation, or develop something together. These moments happen organically rather than according to a programme.
The aim is to create a balance between independence and community: enough space to follow your own practice, and enough connection to be inspired by the people and place around you.
WORKSHOPS
Each summer retreat includes a rotating selection of workshops designed to complement your independent practice and bring inspiration to it. These may include skill-based craft workshops such as ceramics, mosaics, natural dyeing, and printmaking, and creative process sessions focused on practice, reflection, and artistic development led by invited guest artists, educators, past residents, industry practitioners, and our founder Christina.
The workshop programme is designed by Christina Zompa Kaloglou, founder of Descoverartists, who holds master's degrees in Enterprise Creation and Arts and Culture Management and is currently a PhD candidate researching third-level education for artists.
The programme draws directly from that research and from a deep understanding of what artists at different stages of their practice actually need. Workshops are kept intentionally small, unhurried, and responsive to the group. They are spaces for genuine learning, experimentation, and exchange rather than performance.
What’s Included
The summer retreats are designed as a supported, focused working period that removes everyday logistics, allowing residents to concentrate fully on their practice. Included in your residency:
— Accommodation for the full residency duration
— House stocked with everyday groceries
— Full access to shared living and working spaces
— Studio equipment and materials
— Three facilitated workshops
— Curated group outings and excursions
— Ongoing guidance throughout your stay
— A lifetime DA alumni discount on future Descoverartists experiences and products
— Continued access to the Descoverartists network after you leave
Every summer date offers the same level of support.
Practical Matters
Chios is easily reached from Athens by domestic flight, which takes approximately 50 minutes, or by ferry.
We recommend renting a car during your residency. This is not essential for everyday life in Nenita and your residency, but it gives you considerably more freedom to explore the island, visit beaches and villages, and make the most of your time here.
Most days we cook and eat together at the house, while there are also two local tavernas in the village and a beach approximately a 25-minute walk away, with a few seaside tavernas.
Retreats take place year-round, and living conditions reflect the season and rural setting. Eona is a shared home rather than a hotel or an Airbnb, and residents are expected to be comfortable with a simple, communal way of living.
Once accepted, we provide clear guidance on travel options, arrival timing, car rental, and how to reach the house. Residents are responsible for arranging and covering their own travel, car rental, and personal expenses.
Retreat fees
€2,450 — Two weeks (13 nights)
A €500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place. The deposit is deducted from the total residency fee, with the remaining balance due one month before arrival.
Accommodation is offered across a mix of private and shared rooms, with shared rooms accommodating up to two residents. Rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so if you have a preference for a private or shared room, please let us know when booking.
All rooms are more or less equal in size and beauty. Some feature painted ceilings or carefully restored details that reflect the building’s history, while others offer a little more space or privacy.
Winter Independent Residencies
(November–March)
During the winter months, we offer a limited number of independent, long-stay residencies for self-directed practitioners seeking time, space, and continuity for their work. This format is intentionally unstructured and suited to individuals who are comfortable working independently, without group programming or facilitated activities.
Winter residencies are suited to artists, writers, researchers, and other independent practitioners working on long-term projects who value focus, routine, and minimal interruption. Our winter format is not suitable for those seeking workshops, group dynamics, or a guided retreat experience.
Residencies are offered for 2 to 12 weeks, with places limited, and residents selected through an application process. The fee for a private room is €600 per week.
What’s Included
— Accommodation for the full duration of the stay
— Utilities and internet
— Access to shared living and working spaces
— Access to equipment and materials
— Access to shared living and working spaces
— The opportunity to live and work within an international creative community while maintaining an independent practice.
— Workshops and guided experiences.
EQUIPMENT AVAILABLE
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Acrylic paints
Oil paints
Oil pastels
Watercolors
Weaving loom and yarns
Typewritter
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Carl Rönisch Piano, 1915
Fender Player II Strat RW WBL Electric Guitar
Fender Player II Precision Bass RW PWT
Fender FA-135CE Concert WN Black
Fender Champion II 100
Fender Rumble Studio 40
Fender CP-60S Parlor Sunburst WN
Millenium 8” Frame Drum (Natural Skin)
Nektar SE61 Keyboard
Hohner Special 20 C
Quantum HD 2 Interface
Eris Studio 5 Monitors (x2)
PreSonus PX-1 Mic
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Super 8 film video camera
Yashica-Mat Medium format camera
Ricoh GR-III
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Singer sewing machine HD6605
Samsung Freestyle Projector
What People Are Saying
“I had quit my job and decided to embark on a journey to Greece. I arrived at the port. Alone. As I looked for my seat, I saw others with different styles, same vibes - all artists. As we sat, the conversations arose without knowing that this first conversation was the beginning of something special. All in the same journey with different backgrounds. All chose to spend time away from all we knew to devote ourselves to our practice.
Christina, our host, a Greek woman, strong, independent and beautiful. In and out. I felt held, she had created a space where you felt at home, away from home. Where you could take up space and be yourself, to enjoy the Mediterranean lifestyle. Eat delicious, fresh food, drink house wine, and celebrate life just like the Greeks did in the old days. To read near the vast sea, to write, paint, or otherwise to disconnect to come back to yourself. To find solitude as you adventured through the island and to find a new family when you got home.
The house had character, different spaces to gather, a garden, a rooftop terrace with a fantastic view, a communal kitchen, and a living room. There was space to create and to chill, to feel inspired by the land and by the people that surrounded us.
I lived a dream, a dream I desire to come back to. I’d wake up, do yoga, cook breakfast, go out for coffee, go to the beach, read, eat, come home to create, go have dinner with my new friends, who later became family, and ended our day in a bar drinking, laughing, dancing. Ohhh what a dream!!!
It was an honor to have shared a space with so many wonderful artists, who inspired me and taught me from their practice, supported me through my journey and overall showed me a reflection of myself. All I could see was beauty, joy, kindness, peace, love…I came back to myself in this retreat. It was the start of a beautiful journey and of a new connection with an amazing human being, Christina, and many other beautiful souls that surrounded her. You are an inspiration to all of us. Thank you my dear Christina, overall for being you.”
“My stay at Descoverartists was incredible. Not working in my usual medium allowed me to explore and find inspiration in unexpected ways, and being based on a Greek island made the experience even more magical and unforgettable. I hope to be back soon”
“Christine is a magician of beauty and cosiness. She has created a gorgeous playground for artists to feel surrounded by harmony, intoxicating fragrances, and love.”