THIRTY-THREE cows, with the flamboyant designs will grace the streets of Nicosia next September, as part of the renowned CowParade art event, which will be held in Cyprus for the first time.
The CowParade event is part of a wide range of activities undertaken by the Nicosia Municipality, ahead of Cyprus’ EU Presidency during the second half of 2012.
Nicosia Mayor, Eleni Mavrou, said that the event would propel Nicosia’s profile internationally and help it secure the nod for the European Capital of Culture 2017 title.
“This constitutes the largest public art event in the world, and it is Nicosia’s honour to be hosting an event of such status, especially during a crucial period for Cyprus” said Mavrou.
CowParade events have been staged in over 50 cities worldwide since 1999, including Chicago, New York City, London, Tokyo, Buenos Aires and Paris to name a few.
According to the CowParade Holdings Corporation, approximately 100 million people have seen the cows around the world, while over $20 million have been raised so far for charitable events around the globe.
Lilia Larmou, chairwoman of the event’s organising team, said that the 33 cows would be displayed in the capital’s streets between September and October of 2012, while some will also be displayed in touristic hubs, such as the Larnaca airport.
They will be subsequently sold at auction, with the funds given to the Cyprus Cancer Association (CCA).
The cows, which will have real size dimensions, will be made of fibreglass and will weigh up to 60 kilos each. They will be waterproof and originally white, until they are given to artists for designing.
The event will officially start in February 2012, when artists will be asked to submit their ideas of how to design the cows either in a standing, sitting or grazing positions.
A committee will decide on the best designs in March, and will then give the artists three months to prepare their cows.
Studios will be offered to the artists and will be open for the public to observe the creative process.
The top five designs will be incorporated into the worldwide CowParade catalogue and sold into smaller models.
“Our target is not merely to contribute to culture, but also to lend a helping hand to the people who need it most in our community” said Mavrou.
“We are very excited by this event, and the Mayor’s enthusiasm was very encouraging” said Maro Ftellecha, chairperson of the CCA’s board.
She said that the CCA was facing serious financial problems, with its 3 million euros budget not being enough to finance its care of over 1,200 patients. She expressed her hope that the funds raised through the auction would be enough to enhance the services of the CCA.
The CCA offers house care, nurse visits and also provides psychological help for cancer patients and their relatives, while its services are predominantly financed by donations.
