The island of Tinos has always played a major role in shaping art objects and furniture, many renowned artists were born here and many others drew inspiration from the island’s serenity, simpleness and handcrafts. Even though there are many locals and visitors who are interested in arts and crafts, as well as the traditions of the island, there isn’t a cultural space designed to preserve and showcase all the unique elements of art. Hopefully, that is now in the past, since Manthos Kaloumenos and Virginie Muys have created TAXIDI.

Hosting a cultural center, a shop, a café and a workshop, TAXIDI promotes human interaction and education through the arts. It opened in July 2022 and has already welcomed many artists. It is situated at the port of Tinos, in a two-storey neoclassical building, opposite the waterfront. The building has been renovated, with a minimalistic approach and a touch of the aesthetics of the unfinished, with raw concrete details. Inside, one can find clothes, accessories, jewelry, magazines as well as sculptures and objects from Greek and foreign designers, with the collection being renewed constantly. A grocery store (with local herbs) is also located inside, handy for the needs of the kitchen, which offers a Greek taste with a modern twist. The goal of TAXIDI is to welcome different generations of people who admire various forms of art and beauty under the same roof. By the words of Virginie Muys, a parent will be able to have a drink while a kid can talk to an artist.

To learn more about this new project, we spoke to Virginie Muys, of French – Belgian origin, who runs DISCIPLINES studio, working on brand development, image, creative direction, branding, and sound design.

How was the idea of TAXIDI born, and how difficult was it to build this concept in Tinos?

Driven by the magical philosophy of the Cavafy poem «ITHACA», we imagined a space where people could learn and absorb, to slow down and discover, listen, connect, and share. We found this abandoned building by chance, looking from behind the windows. We didn’t think of the difficulties of giving life back to this shell. Actually, in the past, it housed an eccentric artist’s gallery. Now, those who visit us remember the place and are glad that art is back. Manthos and I had a very clear idea of what we wanted to create, having completed the moodboard many years ago. In this way, we put our thoughts and experience into this project. Manthos has a big experience in visual merchandise and fashion, while I had organized luxury events for big brands like Viktor & Rolf, Margiela, Diesel, Céline, Cacharel and Colette, I also ran my own fashion brand and did consulting for many companies. Our surroundings are filled by many artists we know and feature, like Christiana Soulou or Mara Desipris and they all love the way we thought about TAXIDI as a platform for friends and family, which can expand further.

How have visitors and designers so far responded to the artistic value of your project?

I have been visiting Tinos consistently for the past six years, while Manthos was born here, so we have many long–time friends who visit us, but also visitors from Greece or abroad. People with knowledge of aesthetics pay us a visit, even if they are staying on other islands, like Mykonos. So far, visitors are excited about the environment, which is run by an amazing crew. TAXIDI is also not very visible on social media: I have many years of experience in communications, and I do not believe in “heavily promoting” to create a long term relationship with our clientele. We create an experience. Of course, we talk about the artists, but without giving away a lot. Nowadays, you are already bored before seeing anything. I like that the people who are coming are driven by curiosity.

Many designers know us, and they trust us. Even if they do not know us, they seem to appreciate the concept and they are eager to be a part of it. We have been meeting new artists in a very organic way: everything has been very smooth. Everyone appreciates the style and content of our creation and believes it leads the way towards preserving local qualities.

What is your plan for the future of TAXIDI?

TAXIDI will serve as a space for artists and craftspeople to give lectures and plan activities for people of all ages. A large portion of our programming will be dedicated to the artistic growth of children. Through kid-specific courses and workshops, artists will pass on their knowledge and creatively inspire children in Tinos. We aim at forming our space into an artistic residence, with workshops, featuring artists from various fields, including painting, drawing, music, natural dye, woodcarving, weaving, photography, ceramics, or any field that inspires us.

It is certain that Tinos will face rapid growth, but its characteristics protect it from becoming a mass tourist destination. Therefore, we strive to develop and maintain a specific aesthetic value to TAXIDI.

Thank you very much and we wish you all the best for this spectacular project!

Thank you, hope to see you soon at TAXIDI.