a residency space for art, research, and education, dedicated to cultural heritage
In a quiet village of Parnon, in an old winery of the early 20th century, we planted a seed—an acorn that sprouts, takes root, and bears fruit in tranquility, at a slow pace, and amidst nature, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
The velanidi (meaning the acorn in Greek) is a seed naturally designed to protect and preserve the potential for new growth, given the right conditions. Similarly, Velanidi is dedicated to preserving and promoting the environmental and cultural heritage of South Kynouria by creating a meeting point for researchers, artists, writers, and other creatives. Through residencies, research and artistic programs, publications, and educational initiatives, Velanidi functions as an open laboratory for the exchange of ideas, where the stories of the region are discovered, documented, and interpreted.
The vision of velanidi in Peleta, South Kynouria, is the study, documentation, and preservation of the region’s natural and cultural heritage through art and research. Velanidi hosts resident artists and researchers in a space where art and research meet, fostering new ways of understanding and narrating local history and culture.
What We Do
Artist Residency Programs: Hosting researchers, artists, and writers to explore and document the landscape and history of the region.
Restoration of a Traditional Architecture: Preserving and repurposing a traditional linos (wine press) to serve as Velanidi’s main space for hosting people, meetings and creative work.
Ethnographic and Artistic Research: Investigating cultural practices, narratives, and transformations of the landscape through anthropological and artistic approaches.
Publications: Producing educational and research materials for children, scholars, and the general public, promoting local stories and cultural heritage.
Archiving and Library Development: Collecting and documenting archival and bibliographic material related to the region’s history, architecture, and oral traditions.