ARTISTS FROM THE NORTH OF ENGLAND ON THE WORLD STAGE
14 September 2026
We celebrated the final international residency of Contested Desires: Constructive Dialogues with all 22 artists from Europe, Africa and South America gathering in Kalavasos, Cyprus.
Hosted by Xarkis Festival, the residency brought the artists together to share research and develop new collaborations exploring how colonial histories continue to shape contemporary society, culture and identity.
For D6-supported artists Paul Nataraj and Ziza, the residency marked the latest chapter in a three-year journey that has taken them from the North of England to Chile, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and now Cyprus. Along the way, they have developed new work, built international networks and exchanged ideas with artists, communities, museums and cultural organisations across multiple countries.
We celebrated the final international residency of Contested Desires: Constructive Dialogues with all 22 artists from Europe, Africa and South America gathering in Kalavasos, Cyprus.
Hosted by Xarkis Festival, the residency brought the artists together to share research and develop new collaborations exploring how colonial histories continue to shape contemporary society, culture and identity.
For D6-supported artists Paul Nataraj and Ziza, the residency marked the latest chapter in a three-year journey that has taken them from the North of England to Chile, Hungary, Italy, Portugal and now Cyprus. Along the way, they have developed new work, built international networks and exchanged ideas with artists, communities, museums and cultural organisations across multiple countries.
International Exchange, Local Impact
Over two weeks in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, artists immersed themselves in local memories, archives, traditions and landscapes. They listened to stories of former copper miners, learned traditional practices including wheat weaving and herb foraging, and explored the journey of silk cocoons from nature to material.
The residency culminated in presentations across the Xarkis Festival, where artists shared their research through installations, performances, conversations and storytelling.
One of the most powerful aspects of the residency was witnessing how relationships built across the programme have continued to grow.
It was a pleasure to reconnect with artists who previously undertook residencies with D6 in Newcastle, including Elisabeth Efua Sutherland (Ghana), Andreas Mallouris (Cyprus), AFROSCOPE (Ghana), Maria Luigia Gioffrè (Italy) and Rafael Guendelman Hales (Chile). Conversations that began in the North East continued in Cyprus and beyond, demonstrating how international exchange creates lasting networks that extend far beyond a single residency.
Over three years, Contested Desires has enabled artists to develop ambitious new work, build international partnerships and present their practice within global conversations. Just as importantly, it has connected communities in the North of England with artists and perspectives from around the world, creating opportunities to share stories and explore histories that are often overlooked.
As this chapter closes, we're celebrating the friendships and creative possibilities that will carry on long after the residency ends. To every artist, partner and community who joined us on this journey: thank you.
Contested Desires examines the impact of colonial legacies through artistic collaboration.
It is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. In the UK, we are grateful for the support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Community Foundation North East's and Newcastle City Council's Newcastle Culture Investment Fund.
Images: Andreas Gregoras | Andrea Constantinide
Over two weeks in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains, artists immersed themselves in local memories, archives, traditions and landscapes. They listened to stories of former copper miners, learned traditional practices including wheat weaving and herb foraging, and explored the journey of silk cocoons from nature to material.
The residency culminated in presentations across the Xarkis Festival, where artists shared their research through installations, performances, conversations and storytelling.
One of the most powerful aspects of the residency was witnessing how relationships built across the programme have continued to grow.
It was a pleasure to reconnect with artists who previously undertook residencies with D6 in Newcastle, including Elisabeth Efua Sutherland (Ghana), Andreas Mallouris (Cyprus), AFROSCOPE (Ghana), Maria Luigia Gioffrè (Italy) and Rafael Guendelman Hales (Chile). Conversations that began in the North East continued in Cyprus and beyond, demonstrating how international exchange creates lasting networks that extend far beyond a single residency.
Over three years, Contested Desires has enabled artists to develop ambitious new work, build international partnerships and present their practice within global conversations. Just as importantly, it has connected communities in the North of England with artists and perspectives from around the world, creating opportunities to share stories and explore histories that are often overlooked.
As this chapter closes, we're celebrating the friendships and creative possibilities that will carry on long after the residency ends. To every artist, partner and community who joined us on this journey: thank you.
Contested Desires examines the impact of colonial legacies through artistic collaboration.
It is co-funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. In the UK, we are grateful for the support of Arts Council England, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Community Foundation North East's and Newcastle City Council's Newcastle Culture Investment Fund.
Images: Andreas Gregoras | Andrea Constantinide
