MONTH IN REVIEW: January 2026
A roundup of this past month’s art and design news about the makers and creators from Greece and Cyprus
By: Sophia
Cypriot Artists Took the Stage at EU Council Presidency Opening
Earlier this month, more than one hundred artists gathered for the EU Council Presidency ceremony in Nicosia. This celebration marked the six-month term that Cyprus will hold as Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Under the motto “An Autonomous Union– Open to the World,” this new term is defined by a focus for enhancing global relationships through openness, cooperation, and continued efforts to strengthen Europe's defense and security.
President of the Republic of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides and EU Council President Antonio Costa made opening remarks at the ceremony. International leaders such as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Lebanon’s President, Joseph Aoun were present. MEMORY-PRESENT-META was at the heart of the program— it’s three acts reflected on how history has shaped the island of Cyprus through sweeping displays of sound, movement, and digital projections. Also featured in this night of performance were local choral ensembles, actors, dancers, and musicians, who helped paint a picture of the cultural body of Cyprus and the artistic excellence possible with EU relationships.
Theodora Miller Released Wallpaper Collection Inspired by Greek Roots
Greek-American artist Theodora Miller released The Ancestral Collection—a wallpaper and textile project inspired by her Greek heritage and soulful visits to the island. This collection features eight unique patterns in thoughtful colors and soft, elegant shapes. Among them is a pattern called “7 wishes,” which repeats the words: hope, health, luck, love, happiness, joy, and peace, blessing any space it appears in. The “Sacred Hills” pattern takes an abstract approach to Greece’s beloved expansive landscapes, while “Vessels” brings a modern touch to any room, mirroring the classic shapes of ancient pottery.
Miller spent years in the corporate world, but after suffering a traumatic brain injury in 2014, she turned to painting for solace and healing. Since transitioning art to a full-time job in 2022, Miller has built an inspiring and sophisticated brand. These latest pieces bring a sense of calm and a heavenly slice of the Mediterranean to any home.
Shop The Ancestral Collection here.
Damien Chazelle's movie set to Film in Greece
Academy Award-winning director Damien Chazelle is developing a gritty new prison drama, which is set to film in March on the island of Corfu and in Athens. No different from his previous films, this project brings a cast of Hollywood actors, including Michelle Williams, Cillian Murphy, and Daniel Craig. Writing the score of the film is Chazelle’s longtime collaborator, Justin Hurwitz, who gushed about this project, saying, “It’s the best script I have ever read.”
With past productions like La La Land and Whiplash, sound is an integral part of Damien’s films, and there is no doubt that this longtime friendship and collaboration will bring something brilliant to the world of Hollywood and film scoring. Wild Chicken Productions, a company by Damien Chazelle and Olivia Hamilton, will produce this film alongside a Greece-based company, Heretic.
This location choice points to a rise in global filming in Greece. In recent years, regions in Greece have won twice for best filming locations in the European Film Commission’s awards.
Greek National Opera Enters a New Era
Since 2017, the Greek National Opera (GNO) has entered an exciting new era, characterized by strengthened relationships with audiences, consistently sold-out performances, and growing global reach. This transformation followed the company’s move to Athens’ waterfront at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, which has hosted acclaimed artists such as Yorgos Lanthimos, Robert Wilson, and Marina Abramović.
Artistic Director Giorgos Koumendakis credits this momentum to GNO’s outward-looking approach and deep commitment to artistic innovation and legacy. Central to this shift has been the introduction of the Alternative Stage, a second hall designed to welcome younger artists and audiences while providing space for continued experimentation in operatic forms. This generative period reflected in the company’s statistics: a 90 percent attendance rate for summer productions, a 7 percent increase in audiences aged 25–34, and the recent production “Requiem for the End of Love,” which sold out in under three hours. These achievements help dust off the long-standing stigma surrounding opera and bring the art form into a younger, more global spotlight.
Historic Famagusta Gate Reopened
Following extensive flood damage in 2018, the historic Famagusta Gate in Nicosia closed its doors to all visitors. After seven years of restoration by the Department of Antiquities, the Department of Public Works, and Nicosia Municipality, this historic Cypriot landmark has officially reopened. Meticulous stone and wood reconstruction manifested as essential physical care for the island’s history, supported by a budget of nearly one million euros.
Dating back to the 16th century, the construction of the gate was interrupted by the Ottoman invasion of 1570 and has endured the tests of time. In 1981, it was officially established as a cultural center, and fresh designs are currently underway for the surrounding areas. The plans include an outdoor theater venue and sculpture park adorning the environs of Famagusta with new local artistic feats. This conservation project honors history of Cyprus, while making space for future cultural developments.
Zakynthos Cabin Featured in Dwell
Katie Kasabalis and Darius Woo, the married architect duo behind Kasawoo Design Studio, were featured in Dwell this month. Their prefab cabin on the Ionian island of Zakynthos received a full write-up in the renowned design magazine.
The vision for the project emerged after Katie’s grandmother’s home was threatened by redevelopment; local builders proposed demolishing the structure and replacing it with a concrete foundation for a new build. Adamant about preserving the original home, the couple designed a prefabricated cabin constructed with sustainable materials and low-emissions building methods. The structure was constructed off-site, then transported by trailer, and thoughtfully integrated on the existing property.
The new 200-square-foot cabin rises from the surrounding vineyards, leaving space for Katie’s family home to stand as it always has. Inside, design details include light plywood paneling, a streamlined bathroom, and a cozy living area. A bold yet intentional color palette, a deep rust and light blue, draws from traditional Greek residential architecture, marrying modern design with local heritage.
