Artists from France, the U.S.A., Spain, Belgium, Mo- zambique, Switzerland, Slovakia, Italy, Israel, Sweden, and Ireland are performing in Kalamata this summer, including Olivier De Sagazan, who is performing for the first time in Greece, Josef Nadj, who in addition to his performance also has a photo exhibition, the pioneer Wim Vandekeybus with Ultima Vez, Svalbard Company, Marquese Scott and Poppin John, also in their rst appearance in Greece, and Compañia Sharon Fridman – the grand Festival opener.

This year, Mayor of Kalamata Panagiotis E. Nikas, Faris Public-Benefit Company’s International Dance Centre, which organises the Festival, and Artistic Director Linda Kapetanea are proposing a rich and varied program comprising 28 events featuring 11 international dance companies – 7 of which perform for the rst time in Greece – 3 Greek contemporary dance companies, 8 outdoor dance performances, 4 workshops, a mas- terclass, a photo exhibition, and a music concert. 

Linda Kapetanea’s main objective in designing this year’s programme was to create a Festival that is open to the international community, to all age groups, to the arts, and to collaboration with other organisations – a Festival dedicated to education and research, supportive αof and generous to artists, a festival that is morally and philosophically inspiring for the public.