The Cycladic Young Patrons Summer Weekend is an annual event for the Friends of the Museum of Cycladic Art aged up to 45. Held each year on a different Cycladic island, the initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the island through a curated programme of archaeological and cultural experiences. Every July, the Museum selects a destination in the Cyclades and invites creators from diverse artistic disciplines to develop exclusive collaborations, highlighting the many facets of contemporary art.
This year, the Museum’s Friends Department commissioned Maggoosh, the brand founded by Margarita Chrysaki, to create the visual identity for the Cycladic Young Patrons Summer Weekend. Inspired by the island of Kythnos, the identity was developed for the event invitation and the exclusive tote bag presented to participants.
Throughout the two-day programme, the Young Patrons experienced the traditional Kythnian festival at Panagia Flabouriani, enjoying an unforgettable sunset gathering accompanied by a Cycladic dinner curated by Nomade et Sauvage.
The following day, participants explored the archaeological site and the active excavation at Vryokastro, the island’s ancient capital, guided by Dr. Alexandros Mazarakis-Ainian, Professor of Classical Archaeology at the Department of History, Archaeology and Social Anthropology of the University of Thessaly. The weekend concluded with the vibrant Young Patrons Summer Party.
The programme concluded with guided visits to the Archaeological Museum of Kythnos, led by archaeologists Katerina Kalatzopoulou and Theodora Papangelopoulou of the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades; the Thermia Project, presented by its founder and curator Odette Kouzou together with artists Kyveli Zoe, Giannis Malinakis and Polina Miliou; and the Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, where Dr. Maria Z. Sigala, Head of the Department of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Antiquities and Museums at the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades, offered a guided tour.
Each edition of the Cycladic Young Patrons Summer Weekend is accompanied by a special publication dedicated to the host island. This year’s volume, titled Twirls and devoted to Kythnos, draws inspiration from the movement of dance and the circle of belonging, exploring themes of rhythm, ritual and collective memory. Bringing together archaeological, academic and artistic contributions from distinguished guest authors, the publication features essays by Professor Lambros Liavas, Professor of Ethnomusicology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens; Dr. Maria Z. Sigala, Head of the Department of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Antiquities at the Ephorate of Antiquities of the Cyclades; Professor Panagiotis P. Iossif, Academic Director of the Museum of Cycladic Art; and Professor Douglas J. Parker, Professor of Meteorology at the University of Leeds. Edited by Deligina Prifti of the Museum’s Friends Department, Twirls offers Young Patrons a deeper understanding of Kythnos through a rich exploration of its cultural, archaeological and artistic narratives.
About the Cycladic Young Patrons
The Cycladic Young Patrons programme was launched in 2015 by the Museum of Cycladic Art to engage a new generation of supporters in Greece and abroad. Designed for members up to the age of 45, it offers a specially curated monthly cultural programme featuring archaeological excursions, VIP access to international art fairs, private tours of museums and cultural institutions, creative workshops, exclusive events, and discounts at the Cycladic Shop and Cycladic Café. The highlight of the annual calendar is the Young Patrons Summer Weekend, a two-day cultural and social programme held on a different Cycladic island each year. A portion of every Young Patrons membership directly supports the Museum’s social impact programmes.
For more information about the Cycladic Young Patrons, visit:
