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Tag: workshops

  • Christmas tree: Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest to Illuminate the Season with Tree Lighting

    Christmas tree: Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest to Illuminate the Season with Tree Lighting

    The Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest is set to bring festive cheer to Nicosia with the Lighting of the Christmas Tree this Sunday. The event, organised by the Nicosia Municipality, promises a vibrant day filled with various activities for all ages.

    • Mark your calendars for December 7, and come along to the chapel of Ayios Dometios for a day of festivities that will light up the community with joy and celebration.

    A Day of Festivities

    Scheduled from 12pm to 8.30pm, the Christmas Fest will take place at the chapel of Ayios Dometios. Attendees can expect a rich programme that includes live music, workshops, and children’s activities that showcase local cultural creativity. This festive gathering aims to strengthen the Christmas spirit within the community.

    Musical Performances and Cultural Showcases

    Among the highlights of the day will be performances from local artists, including the popular trio Rumba Attack and the Chara Miller Jazz Quintet. These acts are set to entertain the crowd with a mix of festive tunes, ensuring a lively atmosphere throughout the event.

    Local school choirs will also take to the stage, offering their vocal talents as part of the festivities. Additionally, the Musica Mundana Conservatory Choir and the Genesis Cultural Choir will perform, adding to the rich tapestry of local musical culture.

    Engaging Activities for Children

    Children attending the Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest will have plenty to keep them engaged. Craft workshops and interactive activities are planned to entertain the younger audience, allowing them to express their creativity in a festive setting.

    These workshops not only provide entertainment but also allow children to take part in the festive spirit by creating their own holiday-themed crafts. Parents can enjoy the peace of mind knowing their children are entertained while experiencing the holiday cheer.

    A Market for Local Treasures

    The Christmas market at Ayios Dometios will offer a selection of handmade creations and local treats, providing an excellent opportunity for attendees to shop local this festive season. From unique crafts to delicious festive snacks, the market aims to support local artisans and businesses.

    Visitors will have the chance to find one-of-a-kind gifts for their loved ones while enjoying the festive atmosphere of the market. This initiative not only boosts local commerce but also fosters a sense of community among attendees.

    Lighting of the Christmas Tree

    The culmination of the day’s events will be the ceremonial Lighting of the Christmas Tree at 5pm. This moment is anticipated by many in the community as it symbolises the official start of the festive season in Nicosia.

    Following the tree lighting, a rich live music programme will continue, allowing everyone to celebrate together. The combination of music, lights, and the joyful spirit of the season is sure to create lasting memories for all attendees.

    A Community Celebration

    The Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest is a key part of the Municipality of Nicosia’s broader festive programme, Christmas in the Capital. This initiative aims to bring the community together through various events that promote cultural engagement and festive cheer.

    Local residents and visitors alike are encouraged to join in the celebration, making it an inclusive occasion for everyone. The emphasis on local culture, music, and community spirit makes this event a highlight of the Christmas season.

    Join the Festivities

    As the festive season approaches, the Ayios Dometios Christmas Fest serves as a reminder of the joy and togetherness that the holidays bring. With a variety of activities lined up, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    The event is designed to be family-friendly, ensuring that all ages can participate in the celebrations. Whether it’s enjoying the live music, exploring the Christmas market, or watching the children engage in craft workshops, the day promises to be filled with holiday spirit.

    Mark your calendars for December 7, and come along to the chapel of Ayios Dometios for a day of festivities that will light up the community with joy and celebration.

  • ArtCargo Festival Brings Diverse Street Performances to Limassol

    ArtCargo Festival Brings Diverse Street Performances to Limassol

    ArtCargo is showcasing diverse street performances across Limassol as part of its annual Performing Arts Festival. The event, which commenced this week, follows the motto “art belongs everywhere,” and features over 30 productions from 12 international collectives. The festival runs until November 15, offering a mix of physical theatre, new circus acts, media art, and site-specific performances for audiences to enjoy.

    Artcargo: Free and Accessible Performances Across the City

    ArtCargo’s vibrant festival atmosphere spills into the streets, beaches, and public squares, providing passersby, families, and curious locals with free performances. This accessibility is a key element of the festival, allowing art to reach a wider audience without barriers. From the very first day, the streets of Limassol have been alive with the sounds and sights of performers engaging with the public.

    Indoor Shows Offering Unique Experiences

    While the festival primarily takes place outdoors, there are two indoor shows that invite audiences into a more traditional theatre setting. Monad, a French collective, will perform Yin at the Pattiihio Theatre on Friday. This captivating performance combines juggling and dance, drawing inspiration from dervish movements to create a mesmerizing experience that transports the audience through space and time.

    Innovative Performances and Participatory Art

    One of the standout performances is Mission Roosevelt, presented by Tony Clifton Circus from Italy. This engaging piece, with support from the Cyprus Red Cross, invites audiences to experience the city from a unique perspective by placing them in wheelchairs to navigate the urban landscape. Scheduled for November 12-14, this participatory performance highlights themes of access and empowerment.

    On November 13, local artist Viky Kalla will showcase A Meeting-Celebration in the Old Port Square. This choreographed piece features 12 dancers and explores themes of community and connection, contributing to the festival’s overarching message of inclusivity and artistic expression. Meanwhile, the Belgian collective Shadowdance is transforming the Molos basins into a dreamscape of light and shadow, with performances running daily until Sunday.

    Workshops and Public Engagement

    In addition to the performances, ArtCargo offers free workshops in movement, improvisation, and theatre led by performers such as Murmuyo, Kamchatka, and Viky Kalla. These sessions are designed for the public and not aimed at professionals, encouraging community engagement and participation in the arts.

    Moreover, the festival includes a series of public talks and workshops that focus on the future of Limassol’s public spaces. Organised in collaboration with Lemesos2030, OPU Collective (Organisation for Positive Urbanism), and Critical Mass, these events aim to foster dialogue among citizens, urban thinkers, and artists about how to reimagine and shape their shared urban environments.

    A Grand Finale to Remember

    The ArtCargo Festival will culminate on November 15 with a spectacular finale at the historical KEAN Factory. Here, Italian vertical theatre innovators eVenti Verticali will present CUBO, an awe-inspiring aerial performance featuring a 7-metre-high metal cube suspended in mid-air. Following this breathtaking display, attendees can enjoy the ArtCargo Closing Party, which will feature the Cypriot DJ duo Aparapira Parape, along with food, drinks, and family-friendly activities.

    Join the Celebration of Art

    ArtCargo’s commitment to bringing diverse street performances to Limassol reflects the festival’s dedication to making art accessible to all. With a rich programme of events scheduled through November 15, residents and visitors alike have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a celebration of creativity and community. For more details, the full programme is available on the festival’s official website: artcargofest.com.

  • Larnaca Biennale to Unveil Artistic Lines and Traces Across the City

    Larnaca Biennale to Unveil Artistic Lines and Traces Across the City

    larnaca biennale — Larnaca Biennale will showcase a wealth of artistic lines and traces as it prepares for its fourth edition, set to commence in less than a week. Running from October 15 to November 28, the event promises a vibrant cultural programme spanning six-and-a-half weeks, featuring exhibitions, installations, performances, and workshops that will transform the city into a cultural hub.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Larnaca biennale: Curator’s Vision Comes to Life

    With final preparations underway, curator Sana López Abellán expressed excitement about the unfolding of the Biennale, stating, “I am excited to witness how the Biennale unfolds across its venues, weaving together a collective story that belongs to both the artists and the community.” The anticipation is palpable as artists from around the globe arrive to install their works, creating an environment where lines and traces become tangible.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Exhibition Venues Spread Across Larnaca

    The entire Larnaca district will feature selected artworks displayed across 13 indoor and outdoor locations, including notable sites such as the Larnaca Municipal Art Gallery, Pierides Museum, and Larnaca Medieval Castle. The opening ceremony will take place on Wednesday, marking the beginning of an engaging cultural experience. Additional exhibitions will be hosted at the Kallinikeio Municipal Museum in Athienou and the Costas Argyrou Museum in Mazotos.

    Key Installations and Performances

    Among the highlights of the main exhibition are three installation-performances and participatory events. Togetherness – Resonances of Expression and 22 Stops are set to take place on Thursday, while Unspoken Messages will invite public participation at Zouhouri Square, encouraging attendees to engage with the artwork actively.

    Workshops Encouraging Community Engagement

    The Biennale also features an array of workshops aimed at fostering creativity and community connections. The first workshop, The.Curious.Curly’s Cyanotype Tales, will occur on October 17 and November 1, guiding participants through journaling exercises and cyanotype-making. Participants are encouraged to bring a personal photograph from their youth, sharing stories while creating their original cyanotype print.

    Exploring Identity Through Art

    On October 18, the Canada-based duo Anana Rydvald and Zach Fraser will present The Lines and Traces of Identity, a theatrical workshop that utilises emotive masked play to explore personal and collective identity. This workshop exemplifies the Biennale’s focus on integrating artistic practice with meaningful dialogues.

    Bicommunal Art Project Fostering Unity

    The Weaving Unity project on October 25 aims to bring together Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots through a symbolic weaving workshop, culminating in an open artistic celebration on October 26, curated by interdisciplinary designer Konstantinos Charilaou.

    Engaging Performance Art Offerings

    Performance art will also play a significant role in the Biennale, starting with the contemporary dance performance The Thread by the Aphelion Dance Company on October 18. This piece reinterprets the myth of Ariadne and the Minotaur, exploring themes of identity and transformation through movement and narrative.

    Interactive Experiences for Audiences

    The Ichnilat(r)is performance, scheduled for October 19, 25, and November 1, 2, 8, and 9, invites audiences to participate in a unique experience that allows them to choose their role—whether to act or observe—creating a dynamic interaction with the performance.

    Celebrating Love and Heartache

    Anana Rydvald and Zach Fraser will also present their non-verbal mime performance, The Sighlence of Sky, on October 23 and 24. This tender performance offers an ode to love and heartache, navigating themes of disability and neurodivergence through familial relationships.

    Festivals, Films, and Educational Programmes

    The Biennale will also feature the Artist Quarter Piale Pasha Festival, offering guided tours of the artists’ quarter alongside performances and street food from October 18-19. Moreover, the Larnaka Cinema Society will present a selection of films across three evenings on November 10, 17, and 24.

    Creative Workshops for Young Artists

    In the educational programme The Art of Together, actress and theatre facilitator Theodora Andreou will run six creative workshops for children, culminating in a collective art installation at the Municipal Market of Larnaca on October 18, 25, and November 1, 8, 15.

    Open Art Schools Event

    The Open Art Schools event on November 2 will showcase the creative works of students from six art schools across Larnaca, providing families with the opportunity to explore the art world through the eyes of children.

    Experiential Events Highlighting Local Culture

    Curator Abellán will lead a guided Curator’s Walk on October 17, inviting participants to experience Larnaca’s streets and shoreline anew, while Zeno Philosophical Swim on October 22 and 26 connects philosophy with water and everyday activities through a swimming symposium and film screening.

    Tribute to Cypriot Artist Stass Paraskos

    A performance walk, Tracing Stass, will honour the iconic Cypriot artist and educator on October 25 and November 1. Artists Emilios Koutsoftides and Simon Pruciak will guide participants through Stass’ childhood surroundings, reflecting on the landscapes that inspired his work.

    Closing Celebrations and Community Involvement

    The Biennale will conclude with a live music performance on November 21, featuring the three-piece band consisting of Nikos Bardis, Antonis Nomikos, and Giorgos Laggouretos. They will present a unique project inspired by beloved Greek songs, creating an improvisational soundscape that embodies the spirit of the Biennale.

    Finally, the Traces of Our Heritage exhibition and award ceremony on November 27 will showcase work from students and community members, celebrating local culture, history, and traditions through designed products.

  • Short films: Explore More Than Films at the 15th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus

    Short films: Explore More Than Films at the 15th International Short Film Festival of Cyprus

    This week, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus launches its 15th edition, inviting attendees to explore a vibrant array of activities beyond watching films.

    • This week, the International Short Film Festival of Cyprus launches its 15th edition, inviting attendees to explore a vibrant array of activities beyond watching films.
    • Wednesday's Queer Fragments screening will confront themes of intimacy, abuse, friendship, loss, and unfinished legacies, reflecting the fragility and strength of gay men’s lives.

    Short films: Diverse Events Await in Limassol

    The festival is set to take place from Saturday, October 11, to October 17, 2023, in Limassol. In addition to its international and national competition sections, this year’s edition features a rich sidebar agenda filled with workshops, discussions, and special screenings designed to engage a wide audience.

    Workshops for Aspiring Filmmakers

    Among the highlights is the What’s the Story? Cyprus workshop, an intensive five-day film development writing experience tailored for eight directors and screenwriters from Cyprus and neighbouring Mediterranean countries. This workshop will run concurrently with the festival, concluding on October 17.

    Innovative Therapy Through Film

    On Sunday, the festival will host the Cinematherapy programme by Ε.Κ.Κ.Ο.ΜΕ.Δ, which merges the cinematic experience with therapeutic processes. Taking place at the Rialto Theatre at 5pm, this event promises to offer a unique perspective on the interplay between film and mental wellbeing.

    Student Filmmaking Challenge

    An exciting opportunity for students living in Cyprus is the Shoot’n’Run 2025 challenge, which invites participants to create a short film of up to three minutes in just three days. This event, implemented by the School of Fine and Applied Arts of Cyprus University of Technology, kicks off on Wednesday.

    Panel Discussions to Enhance Filmmaking

    The following day, a panel discussion titled From Idea to Screen: Making Better Short Films will take place at 6pm. This session will provide local filmmakers with insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by short film production. Additionally, Nenad Bogdanovic will present the European programme Creative Europe – Media, focusing on supporting European film production in today’s digital landscape.

    Special Screenings for All Ages

    The festival also promises a series of special screenings, starting with Shorts for Kids on Sunday at 12pm at the Rialto Theatre. This programme aims to introduce young audiences to the enchanting world of cinema through a selection of captivating short films from around the globe.

    On the same day, the Echoes of the Earth: Memory, Land and Future screening will occur at Dusty Munky at 10.30. This screening showcases films that explore the fragile yet unbreakable bonds between humans and the land.

    Honouring Cypriot Cinema

    On Monday, the festival will pay tribute to Irena Joannides, a distinguished Cypriot filmmaker, writer, and translator who passed away earlier this year. The Remembering Irena Joannides event will present a selection of her acclaimed short films, reflecting her vision and sensitivity that have significantly influenced contemporary Cypriot cinema.

    Exploring Contemporary Themes

    The following day will feature documentaries as part of the Cyprus: Once Now event, which delve into the contemporary Cypriots’ relationship with traditional values. This screening examines the evolving social fabric and how it connects to a rapidly changing world.

    On Tuesday, audiences can look forward to Between Reality and Fiction, a screening that showcases films blurring the lines between documentary and fiction. This event highlights characters’ inner worlds and the complexities of their narratives.

    Wednesday’s Queer Fragments screening will confront themes of intimacy, abuse, friendship, loss, and unfinished legacies, reflecting the fragility and strength of gay men’s lives.

    Final Special Screening

    Finally, the festival will present the Tales of the Unfortunate special screening, featuring four shorts that highlight the stories of those often sidelined by society, yet who share a common need to alter their trajectories.

    Free Admission to All Events

    All parallel events and special screenings during the festival have free admission and are suitable for audiences above 18, except for the Shorts for Kids programme, which welcomes younger audiences. For the complete festival programme and more information, visit www.isffc.com.cy.