Source: CNA
The creation of a Deputy Ministry of Culture is an important step in the right direction for a complete, integrated cultural policy in Cyprus, said President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades.
In a speech at the Cyprus Theatre Organisation Awards 2021, the President acknowledged the repercussions wrought by the pandemic on the artistic community, noting the government sought to mitigate the difficult situation” by allocating 3.06 million euros to 2,040 artists and actors.
Culture, he added, is the cornerstone of a person's identity and must be easily accessed, participated in and enjoyed equally by all citizens.
"Culture is the cornerstone of a person's identity and must be easily accessed, participated in and enjoyed equally by all citizens." -Anastasiades
To this end, he added, the government has adopted a series of targeted actions within the framework of a coherent policy, which focuses on supporting artistic expression, opening up to civil society and enhancing interculturalism.
He referred to the decision to create a Deputy Ministry of Culture, the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts which is the highest intellectual institution on the island, as well as strengthening cultural activities focusing on literature, visual arts, music, dance, folklore culture, theatre and cinema through the grant program Culture and the Thimeli project and supporting the cultural centers in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos as well as the contemporary Dance houses in Nicosia and Limassol.
President Anastasiades referred to the implementation of many programs in municipalities and communities as well as art workshops aimed at encouraging creativity in as many young people as possible. He also referred to the establishment of mobile theatrical units in mountain communities, thereby giving people in remote locations access to these programs.
The President further referred to the promotion of cultural diversity and enhancing cultural pluralism which is a fundamental principle of UNESCO by supporting programs for the three communities in Cyprus: Latins, Armenians and Maronites.
The vision for culture focuses on improving the quality of life through sustainable development, enriching cultural institutions and further developing national cultural projects by creating a literary archive that will be connected to the State Gallery of Contemporary Art.
President Anastasiades also referenced the building of the archaeological museum in Nicosia, which is due to begin after a construction company is chosen for the project.
