A MUSIC, arts and culture festival yesterday took place in central Nicosia with the aim of bringing together people from different fields in the first event of its kind in Cyprus.
The Urban Soul Festival, in the park between Eleftheria and Solomou Squares was a 12-hour extravaganza celebrating artistic diversity.
Event organiser Petros Lapithis of the Pantheon Cultural Association told the Sunday Mail that the festival, “gives artists, painters, sculptors, photographers, musicians, graphic designers and publishers the chance to show off their work to the public. We invited them to present their work and have given them an opportunity to communicate their ideas through various forms.”
He hoped that the festival’s diversity “will attract many different people, many of whom would never normally visit the closed confines of a gallery or the four walls of a music venue.
“Another advantage is the event’s interactivity. The public can come and take a look, enjoy something to eat and drink and even touch many of the exhibits.”
It was hoped that the festival, which is free of charge, would appeal to shoppers, those going for a walk and even friends out for coffee. “That’s why we chose such a central spot,” said Lapithis.
As the festival kicked off at about midday, a small crowd had started to gather. Some nodded their heads at the music, while others simply walked around with their children taking in the exhibits. There was also a little arts and crafts section with handmade jewellery and decorations on sale.
The main music events were due to take place in the latter part of the day, in the form of a large tent housing DJs and live bands. Hip-Hop, reggae, eclectic, and fusion electronica were due to be played alongside local bands and solo artists, “offering something for everyone,” according to Lapithis.
“Now that the day has finally arrived, all the hard work we have put in over the past six months organising the event has paid off,” he said. “There’s an art world that’s thriving in Cyprus but not so many people really pay attention. I don’t blame them, as they need to be exposed to it more.”
