Corfu, October 30 – The ION Arts Festival (ION_on move) will return to Corfu in November 2025, presenting an international program of contemporary performing arts centered on the theme of the body in artistic creation. The festival has received official support from the Ministry of Culture and Sports and operates under the auspices of the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands.
International Artists and Productions
The festival program features works by internationally recognized artists whose productions have been presented at major dance and theater festivals around the world. According to the organizers, Garage21, the festival aims to maintain an ongoing dialogue with the international artistic field while bringing cutting-edge contemporary performance to the island.
The program includes performances, collective actions, and workshops, creating space for dialogue and exchange between artists and audiences.
Featured Artists with International Recognition
Among the participating artists are several creators with significant international careers. Athanasia Kanellopoulou, who worked for years as a collaborator of the legendary choreographer Pina Bausch, will present her work at the festival. Aris Papadopoulos was recently awarded the Choreographic Composition Prize by the Union of Greek Theater and Performing Arts Critics.
Martha Passakopoulou, an interpreter with significant international collaborations, and Ermira Goro, who has a long-standing collaboration with the renowned DV8 Physical Theatre company, will also participate in the program.
The festival will feature Belgian artist Youri De Gussem, considered one of the most promising dancers of his generation, and Haris Kousios, whose work has left a strong emotional impact on audiences. Katerina Foti, a fellow of the Onassis AiR program, will also present her work.
World Premiere Work from Venice Biennale
A highlight of the festival will be the Greek premiere of MOUNTAINS by Garage21, which made its world premiere at the Venice Theatre Biennale 2025 and received enthusiastic reception. This marks the first presentation of the work in Greece following its international debut.
The production represents a significant achievement for Greek contemporary performing arts, having been selected for one of the world’s most prestigious theater events.
Multiple Performance Venues Across Corfu
The festival will take place across multiple venues in Corfu, including the Garage21 Performing Arts Center, the Polytechno multi-purpose space, the Studio of DI.PE.THE Corfu (Municipal Regional Theater of Corfu), and the Church of Saint George at the Old Fortress.
The diverse venue selection allows the festival to reach different audiences across the island and utilize both traditional and contemporary performance spaces, including the historic setting of the Old Fortress.
Organized by Garage21 with Institutional Support
The ION_on move festival is organized by the artistic organization Garage21 with support from the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands, the Ephorate of Antiquities of Corfu, and DI.PE.THE Corfu.
The festival operates under the auspices and support of the Ministry of Culture and Sports, as well as under the auspices of the Municipality of Central Corfu and Diapontian Islands, providing institutional backing for the event.
Focus on the Body in Contemporary Creation
According to the festival announcement, this year’s edition highlights the body as the central axis of contemporary artistic creation. The thematic focus brings together diverse approaches to physical performance, from contemporary dance to physical theater and experimental performance.
The program structure, which includes not only performances but also collective actions and workshops, emphasizes participatory engagement and knowledge exchange between professional artists and local communities.
Building International Cultural Dialogue
The return of the ION Arts Festival to Corfu reinforces the island’s position as a destination for contemporary performing arts in Greece. By bringing internationally acclaimed artists and productions that have toured major festivals worldwide, the festival creates opportunities for local audiences to engage with cutting-edge contemporary performance.
The festival’s international dimension, combined with participation by prominent Greek artists, establishes a platform for cultural exchange and positions Corfu within broader European and global performing arts networks.
Complete program details, performance schedules, and ticketing information for the November 2025 festival are expected to be announced in the coming weeks through the Garage21 organization and participating venues.
Source: https://www.startmediacorfu.gr/to-festival-technon-ion-epistrefei-dynamika-stin-kerkyra/
