Cyprus and Greece to sign intergovernmental cultural cooperation agreement

Deputy Minister of Culture Vasiliki Kassianidou and Greece's Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni will sign a intergovernmental cultural cooperation agreement between Cyprus and Greece on Friday, 23 August , during the latter’s official visit to Cyprus from 22 to 24 August.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry of Culture, the cooperation will concern, among other things, the reinforcement of archaeological research through exchanges, the protection and promotion of cultural heritage in order to exchange know-how and experience in matters of documentation, conservation, restoration and promotion of monuments, the exchange of information on archaeological legislation, the strengthening of cooperation in matters of protection of cultural heritage from the effects of climate change and the undertaking of a joint initiative on the protection of cultural heritage from the effects of climate change.

Cooperation is also envisaged between public sector bodies and cultural organisations of the two countries as regards the development of artistic education and cultural sustainability programmes, the exchange of know-how on research, innovation and audience development, as well as on issues relating to the links between culture and society, health and the environment.

More specifically, in the field of contemporary culture, it is stated that cooperation concerns, among other things, the participation of Cypriot and Greek state and non-state theatre institutions and groups in theatre performances and festivals, the joint support of productions, co-productions, participation and collaboration of theatre professionals and theatre groups, research in the field of technology in the theatre and further cooperation between film and audiovisual producers from Cyprus and Greece.

It also aims at the development of a common policy in the field of film education and training through institutions and the cooperation between orchestras from Cyprus and Greece for joint and large-scale artistic events, such as concerts, festivals, opera and/or similar events in the field of symphonic/orchestral music, with joint participation of artists from both sides, strengthening productions, participation and cooperation between composers, performers, orchestras, musical groups, choirs and joint productions in the field of visual and applied arts and artistic photography in the two countries, through actions such as exchanges of artists, craftsmen and designers, the organisation of workshops, group exhibitions, thematic exhibitions, tributes, etc., supporting productions, collaboration of dancers and dance groups from Cyprus and Greece in relevant festivals and activities, as well as cooperation in the context of book exhibitions and exchange of expertise in the field of library operation.

Furthermore, in the field of handicrafts, cooperation concerns recording and ensuring the preservation and development of traditional and modern handicrafts, through the exchange of methods, the provision of know-how, the organisation of training programmes, the creation of strategic programmes for the restoration and development of handicrafts in both countries and research and innovation in the design of handicraft products to improve the entrepreneurship and competitiveness of products.

According to the press release, the signing of the agreement will take place on 23 August at 12pm at the Cyprus Library in the centre of Nicosia, and will be preceded at 11am by a visit of Mendoni, accompanied by the Deputy Minister of Culture, to the Cyprus Museum and a meeting with the National Committee for the Combating of Piracy and Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Heritage.

Mendoni's programme also includes a visit to the Costas Argyros Museum in Mazotos and a visit to the Nicosia Town Hall and a tour by the Mayor of Nicosia in the presence of the Deputy Mayors and municipal group leaders of the Green Line, in the divided capital of Nicosia, and the renovated Old Market (CYENS Centre of Excellence) on Thursday, 22 August.

On Friday, 23 August in addition to the signing of the intergovernmental agreement, the Greek Minister of Culture will lay a wreath at the Makedonitissa Tomb, will have a meeting with Archbishop Georgios of Cyprus, while in the afternoon she will visit the Leventis Museum and the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation.

The programme of the Greek Minister’s visit will conclude on 24 August with a tour of the Larnaca District Archaeological Museum, the Deputy Ministry concluded.

(Source: CNA)