Culture Ministry launches Nostos scheme for refugee heritage projects

Strovolos, Cyprus. The deputy ministry of culture has announced the launch of the Nostos support scheme to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of refugee communities displaced following the Turkish invasion of 1974.

The programme will support initiatives documenting communities’ cultural identity, history and traditions, with applications opening on August 24.

Programme scope

The scheme will focus on preserving cultural memory through narratives, customs, architecture, language and collective experiences. It will also support projects contributing to the continuation of cultural activities.

Supported areas include literature, visual arts, music, dance, theatre, traditional culture and cinema.

Eligible applicants

Eligible applicants include municipalities in exile, refugee associations and individual applicants registered with them.

The deputy ministry said the scheme is intended to encourage cooperation between communities and cultural bodies, while supporting documentation, archival work, digital preservation and participatory cultural projects.

Applications and funding

Applications must be submitted through the Department of Contemporary Culture’s digital grants platform. Interested applicants have until September 14 at 2pm to submit proposals.

An information session will be held on September 1 at the ministry’s office in Strovolos.

Funding will be available for proposals implemented by communities, refugee associations and supported individuals or organisations. Projects may take place in locations determined by their purpose and requirements.