8th ANTI-SKINO Outdoor Theatre and Performing Arts Festival

Since its inception, the ANTI-SKINO Outdoor Theatrical and Performing Arts Festival has prioritised the transfer and promotion of theatrical and performing arts activities to the rural areas of Cyprus, where such opportunities are scarce. The remote and secluded village of Kato Pyrgos Tyllirias was selected as the festival's venue to fulfill this objective. The festival will feature a diverse range of events including theatrical performances, workshops, open discussions, stand-up comedy, innovative presentations, monologues, and performances, all set in one of the island's most picturesque locations, by the sea and amidst the shade of trees rather than traditional indoor theatre venues.

Since 2017, the ANTI-SKINO festival has steadfastly upheld key elements of its identity, notably the promotion of Cypriot artists and creators. Concurrently, each year it strives to enhance its programme with fresh components aimed at enriching visitors' experiences and more effectively advancing the festival's intended messages.

ANTI-SKINO explores diverse themes and research fields that form the foundation of its annual activity programme. This year's focus revolves around the theme "Utopia," inviting artists and artistic groups to articulate their unique visions of utopia, addressing societal, economic, political, and environmental concerns while offering solutions through artistic expression. The festival's implementation methodologies encompass a broad spectrum of artistic expressions, including experimental theatre and creative writing. The festival upholds timeless values of excellence, inspiration, unity, solidarity, inclusivity, diversity integration, and cooperation, serving as its guiding principles. Therefore, it has established clear objectives concerning not only its artistic content but also the societal impact of the festival, encompassing:

- Provide opportunities for young Cypriot artists/creators, artist/creators from abroad and artistic groups to create.

- Educate, support and inspire artists at all levels of development.

- Raising awareness and highlighting important issues of concern and relevance to society.

- Educating the public to first acquire artistic literacy and then develop critical perception through exposure to activities by Cypriot and foreign artists.

Moreover, ANTI-SKINO is addressed to a broad mass of artists and young people, but also to various other target groups, including young artists/creators and artistic groups; emerging and professional artists and artists; young people living in or coming from isolated and remote areas/villages; young people living in rural villages that are more easily accessible to urban centres; families; people of all ages living in urban centres and remote and/or isolated communities.