In the context of ECHO II, local traditions are perceived as dynamic and evolving processes that shape and are shaped by the lives of local communities. This means that traditions are recognized as constitutive elements of cultural identities but are not considered "objects" that need to be retained unaltered and protected via musealisation. In this light, ECHO II takes a critical stance towards established but unfruitful perspectives that restrict innovation and creativity and consists of an opportunity (a) for artists to highlight and renew local traditions through contemporary artistic creation and (b) for the local communities to self-reflect and, hence, reconceptualize and revitalize their own traditions within the framework of European cultural heritage.

Main activities

Inter Alia, in close cooperation with the not-for-profit organizations Sfera International, Open Space Foundation, and Pro Progressione, will organize:

• four (4) art residencies in Spetses (Greece), Smolyan (Bulgaria), Prespa (North Macedonia), and Torula-Győr (Hungary), in the context of which the participant artists will get in touch with experts and representatives from the local communities, explore the selected local traditions, and create their own original artworks; and

• four (4) local art exhibitions in the above-mentioned locations, in the context of which the artworks created during the art residences will be exhibited and presented to local audiences.