Nicosia, Cyprus. The international promotion of Cypriot artists was the main achievement of the cultural programme held during Cyprus’ EU Council presidency, Deputy Culture Minister Lina Kassianidou said on Tuesday. She said the programme enabled artists, musicians and choreographers to present their work in countries around the world.
International cultural programme
Kassianidou said the programme produced tangible results for the international promotion of Cyprus’ cultural heritage and contemporary art, as well as for European cultural policy.
During the presidency, Cyprus presented its cultural heritage and contemporary creative production through 18 concerts and musical performances, 18 art and archaeological exhibitions, seven dance performances, and nine theatre, poetry and cinema events in 30 countries.
More than 500 artists participated in events in several countries, including Belgium, Denmark, France and Germany.
Kassianidou said she hoped the programmes would increase awareness of Cypriot creators and lead to future invitations and collaborations.
European cultural policy
Kassianidou identified legislative work on AgoraEU, a new financial programme supporting culture, media and civil society from 2028 to 2034, as one of the deputy ministry’s most significant responsibilities during the presidency.
She said AgoraEU would continue and expand the existing Creative Europe programme, with the aim of increasing participation by Cypriot organisations.
She also cited the joint declaration, Europe for Culture – Culture for Europe, signed in Brussels by President Nikos Christodoulides, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Further work included promoting the Culture 2027 to 2030 work programme, which sets priorities for European cooperation in culture, and efforts to protect, digitise and improve public access to European archives.
Ministers’ meeting
Kassianidou also referred to the informal meeting of culture ministers held in Nicosia on June 2. The meeting addressed the protection of cultural rights amid challenges posed by artificial intelligence and the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.
