Nicosia 2030 honours democracy

The exhibition "Art in Democracy" was inaugurated by the President of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides

The art exhibition "Art in Democracy", which includes artworks from the European Parliament's Contemporary Art Collection, was inaugurated on Monday 18 November 2024 by the President of the Republic Mr. Nicos Christodoulides. The opening ceremony was attended and addressed by the Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos and the Head of the EP Office in Cyprus Andreas Kettis, while the Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki, Ambassadors of the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Italy, India, Israel and Cuba, the representative of AKEL and Member of Parliament George Christofides, councillors of the Nicosia Municipality and other guests were present.

In a record year for democratic governance with more than 60 countries and half of the world's population heading to the polls, Nicosia 2030, candidate for European Capital of Culture, together with the 5th Nicosia International Festival, present reflections on the democratic constitution, whether it is fragile or flexible and resilient.

This is the first time a European Parliament exhibition is presented in a member state of the European Union. The art exhibition "Art in Democracy", which presents democratic values through the eyes of contemporary European artists, has been shown in Brussels and Strasbourg and part of it is being transferred to Nicosia. Nicosia 2030 and Nicosia International Festival Artistic Director George Papageorgiou was the initiator of the idea to host this exhibition in Nicosia and it is thanks to his vision and persistence that this was made possible.

Through the exhibition, noted the Artistic Director of the Nicosia International Festival George G. Papageorgiou "we honour a fundamental value of the European Union and celebrate as a festival and as the Municipality of Nicosia the 20 years of Cyprus' accession to the European Union".

In his address, the President of the Republic stressed that the exhibition is a unique tool for reflection on the role of democracy, highlighting the fundamental democratic principles and values through the work of contemporary European artists. "Many people wonder," he asked, "what is art without democracy and what is democracy without art? The one without the other would be, rather, abstract and empty of content. Art flourishes only when there is freedom and respect for different voices and approaches, while democracy is ensured and strengthened through creative expression, critical thinking and freedom of speech”.

For his part, the Mayor of Nicosia Charalambos Prountzos stressed that the exhibition is a milestone in our cultural life and proves once again the potential of our city as a centre of culture, dialogue and mutual understanding within the European Union. He added: "Through the presentation of these works, the visitor is invited to reflect on the meaning of democracy, to consider the challenges facing Europe today, and to reflect on our future as European citizens in an ever-changing world." He said that Nicosia, as a candidate for the European Capital of Culture 2030, is the first city outside the centre of the European Union to host this exhibition. It is also a great step to make our city a meeting point and a place for reflection on the values of the European Union.

In his welcome address, the Head of the EP Office in Cyprus Andreas Kettis, Mr Andreas Kettis said that the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to promote the European Parliament not only as a political body, co-legislator to produce European legislation, but also as an institution with a strong commitment to contemporary art. "This exhibition," he said, "is an important reminder that art can be a powerful tool for promoting democracy. Art can help people to think critically about democratic values and processes and thus strengthen democracy".

Educational programs

Particularly important, Kettis stressed, are the educational programs surrounding the exhibition. Secondary schools have already visited the exhibition on Monday morning. "The students and young people of Nicosia and Cyprus, who will visit the exhibition, will have the opportunity to study these works and reflect on the values that they must preserve, but also highlight, as citizens of the European Union of tomorrow."

The exhibition will remain open until 15 December 2024 and then from 8 to 31 January 2025, Tuesday - Sunday 14:00 - 18:00 p.m.

Information: 22797979 (Monday - Friday 10:00-13:00) &

bit.ly/Website_NIF2024

Information and reservations for the training programs: 22797991 (Monday - Friday 10:00 - 13:00)