A BI-COMMUNAL art competition for people of all ages has been launched by the UNDP’s Action for Co-operation and Trust.
The competition requires Cypriots, including professional artists, who are interested in entering to create a piece of art along one of the following themes: environment, identity, difference and equality, memories, spirituality and future.
“We are seeking to explore how art that addresses issues affecting all people can contribute to building co-operation and trust between communities,” said Jaco Cilliers, UNDP-ACT Programme Manager. “We want to encourage people to enter and to explore these themes as issues that not only impact on all Cypriots, but people all over the world.”
The competition has been developed by the 14 members of the Cyprus Art Competition Advisory Board.
The Board benefits from a mix of established artists and other creative professionals practising in the areas of fine art, design, literature, arts education, arts promotion, project co-ordination, photography, galleries and film and theatre.
Each individual has contributed specialist experience, knowledge and guidance to the project.
The Board also had the important task of deciding on themes for artworks that would be relevant and appropriate to Cypriots from all walks of life.
Categories for the competition are 9 years old and under, 10-12, 13-17, 18 plus and professional artists. There will be one winner and two runners-up for each category.
A travelling exhibition of the winning entries will be the highlight of the project, during which the winning entries will be blown up and displayed on large boards in an outdoor venue. The exhibition starts in Nicosia and will travel to six other major towns around the island.
A corresponding indoor exhibition of the original entries and cultural events will accompany the main exhibition each time it travels.
Entries close on September 28.
With the support of Action for Co-operation and Trust, the project will be implemented by the Europe Mediterranean Art Association and the Cyprus Chamber of Fine Arts.
UNDP-ACT’s Communications and Monitoring and Evaluation Manager Christopher Louise said the competition is, “the brainchild of ordinary people who have a passion for art. They have selected the themes and the way the competition should be run.”
Louise added that, “through artistic expression, people from both communities can promote reconciliation.”
n For more information call 22-874777
