Press Release
The Beauty Line Art Foundation (BAF) has announced its second open call for applications for the Residency: Studio Mentoring Program 2026, an initiative that supports emerging artists in Cyprus by providing them with studio space, mentorship from experienced professionals in the field, and opportunities for the development and promotion of their work.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Foundation's premises in Nicosia, attended by members of the media, collaborators, and friends of BAF.
Returning for a second consecutive year following the success of its inaugural edition, the programme represents a meaningful initiative dedicated to supporting and promoting emerging artistic voices in Cyprus. Through the provision of space, time and professional guidance, the Residency offers selected artists the opportunity to further develop their creative practice within a stimulating and collaborative environment.
During the presentation, attendees were introduced to the vision and framework of the Residency: Studio Mentoring Program 2026, which aims to foster artistic research, creative dialogue and the exchange of ideas among participants and the wider artistic community.
Maria Papakonstantinou, Chairperson of the BAF Board of Directors, stated:
"The Residency: Studio Mentoring Program is much more than an artist residency. It is an investment in the people shaping the future of contemporary Cypriot art. The positive response to the programme during its first year confirmed the need for initiatives of this kind and further strengthens our commitment to investing in contemporary artistic creation in Cyprus."
Louiza Loui, Director of BAF, stated:
“This initiative aims to support emerging artists in Cyprus by providing a framework within which they can deepen their research, develop their practice, and exchange ideas, experiences and perspectives with fellow artists and practitioners in the field.”
The press conference was attended the programme’s mentors and jury members Maria Loizidou, Maria Stathi, Andreas Stylianou and Elpida Frangeskidou, who shared their perspectives on the importance of mentorship and supporting the next generation of artists in Cyprus. Also present at the press conference were members of the Board of Directors, Maritina Psara and Olga Paoulli, as well as the Foundation’s Art Director, Veronika Chatzistefanou.
The Residency: Studio Mentoring Program will run from 21 September to 11 December 2026 at the BAF premises in Nicosia and will conclude with a group exhibition open to the public.
Participants will work under the guidance of distinguished mentors and jury members Maria Loizidou, Maria Stathi, Elpida Frangeskidou and Andreas Stylianou, while also taking part in open studios, workshops and talks designed to encourage creative exchange and meaningful engagement with audiences.
The programme is open to emerging artists from Cyprus and the diaspora working across contemporary artistic disciplines, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, performance and hybrid forms of artistic expression.
Selected artists will be provided with a fully equipped studio space, financial support for the development of their work and visibility through BAF’s communication channels. In addition, selected works produced during the residency will become part of the Foundation’s permanent collection, contributing to the development of a living and continuously evolving archive of contemporary Cypriot art.
The deadline for applications is 21 July 2026.
Further information, application guidelines and the application form are available on the BAF website.
About BAF
BAF is a non-profit contemporary art organisation based in Nicosia, established to support contemporary artistic creation and foster an active platform for dialogue, research and experimentation.
Through residencies, exhibitions, educational programmes, workshops and open calls, BAF invests in the next generation of artists and contributes to the development of a dynamic cultural ecosystem in Cyprus.
