Leonard CohenIn the 50's Hydra Island Greece was discovered by some artists visiting the island from Athens. In those days Hydra was inexpensive and its close proximity to Athens made it a good destination for those looking for inspiration. And still today Hydra's picture postcard perfection, lack of blatant tourism, amazing light, stillness and the more human sounds of island living rather than noisy intrusive motors inspires not just artists but musicians, composers, singers, actors, film makers and writers who have made Hydra their home or favourite regular destination because they have discovered a rare atmosphere that's conducive to creative contemplation unique to Hydra.

Leonard Cohen the Canadian singer, songwriter and poet is probably the most well known of the artists drawn to Hydra and was one of the first "notables" to arrive on the island. To this day he still owns a house on the island, though it must be said that while he is still a homeowner on the island, these days his house is used by his family rather than the man himself.

Pauline KeaneyThe internationally acclaimed American artist Brice Marden also keeps a home on the island and visits regularly. Contempory artists, Micheal Lawrence, Natacha Best, Pauline Keaney, Mary Gladstone, William Pownall and Michel Le Goff live on the island full time and exhibit regularly. Panayiotis Tetsis is closely associated with the Athens School of Fine Arts, in particular the branch on Hydra, housed in what used to be the Tombasis Mansion, and in 2007 for his 82nd birthday exhibited in the Pavlos Kountouriotis Museum. Yannis Stavrou is a prolific artist and much of his work features Hydra and is found in personal collections on the island as well as abroad.

Dimitris GatsoumisThe Municipality of Hydra sponsor exhibitions throughout the year at the Melina Mercouri Hall, featuring artists such as Dimitris Gatsoumis another Hydra resident.

Annually, resident artist Dimitrios Antonitsis the curator of the "Hydra Schools Projects" (HSP), arranges exhibitions of contemporary art at the Palio Gynasium, which run during the height of the season. In 2008 one of the artists featured in the HSP "Whatever's Whatever" exhibition featured work by Dimitris Andreadis the son of resident jewellary artist Anna Andreadis. And on the subject of renown creative jewellers, Hydra is also home to Hydriot Elena Votsi the designer of the Olympic medals for the Athens 2004 games. Elena's work can be found exclusive outlets worldwide but she still maintains a shop in Hydra harbour.

Costas VergasPhotographers are also drawn to Hydra Island by the stunning scenery and facinating colours. Two of the best professional photographers are Hartmut Witte and Costas Vergas. Costas has taken stunning photos that have been published in half a dozen books available for sale at the Historical Archives and Museum of Hydra. "Footpaths of Faith" not only provides a photographic insight to community living as it revolves around religious ceremonies on the island but many images are taken from places that very few people bother to walk to so never see.

Hydra Island Greece has also been featured in a number of films over the decades. Films made in Hydra include:

Stephen Dillane: Being made up as Jacob during filming of Fugitive PiecesFugative Pieces made in 2007 and produced by Robert Lantos of Serendipity Point Films (also Being There) involved Hydra with filming for two weeks and many locals star in the film as extras in the opening scenes of the film - click the link to see preview of film. The parts of the film made on Hydra were done on location at the Milianos House above the town, in the harbour and onboard one of the local boats. Few people have seen inside the Milianos House so seeing the film will give you a glimpse. The architect who was responsible in the 50's for having Hydra registered as a Greek National Monument lived in this house as his family still do.

Karolos Voutsinas being filmed by Terry Spencer for US TVThroughout the summer season Hydra is host to documentary makers from all over the world. They come to make short films for news and travel programs in the main but some come to make investigative films about what it's like to live on Hydra, the arts, biography type programs and some have even featured programs about the architecture. German documentary film maker Martin Thomas felt obliged to extend his visit by another week in 2003 to ensure that he captured the Miaoulis Festival for his travel film. Hydrama TheatrePresenter Mike Bushell of the BBC visited in 2004 to interview locals about their opinions as to whether the Athens Olympics would benefit Greece. He felt compelled to return in 2005 just to find out if they thought it was worth it. In 2008, American director Terry Spencer felt it vitally necessary to visit Hydra for a second year to capture all the aspects of the arts on the island to give a well-rounded representation! Among many she interviewed Karalos Voutsinas the Greek musician and composer who now lives on Hydra. Terry also went to Vlychos to meet with Corinna Seeds the director of the Hydrama Theatre.