Website of the Cultural Programme of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026
Discover Cyprus’ Cultural Vision for 2026
The Cultural Programme of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026 is designed to showcase the Cypriot contemporary artistic scene alongside the rich cultural heritage of the island, and to highlight Cyprus as a bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East.
Experience Culture Across Cyprus and Europe
The programme will focus on the unity and the continuation that results from the harmonious connection of the unique cultural identities and traditions of the E.U. Member States, thus reminding, enriching and empowering the bonds that unite Cyprus with the E.U. Member States which are all pieces that form a marvellousmosaic.
For the implementation of the programme the Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus has collaborated with a strong network of partners and has included an remarkable number of artists from all fields of artistic creation.
Events and Program
Discover cultural events taking place in Cyprus, across Europe, and internationally throughout the 2026 EU Council Presidency. Explore exhibitions, performances, dialogues, and collaborations that highlight Cyprus’ cultural identity and its connection to Europe.
The Worlds of Cyprus
Decoration of interior areas of Filoxenia Conference Centre
Presentation of the decoration of Justus Lipsius and Europa buildings
Presentation of the concept behind the selection of the works installed on the Council of the EU buildings by the project curator, designer Michael Anastassiades.
Opening of the exhibition "Nicosia International Airport"
Exhibition entitled “Nicosia International Airport” by Andros Efstathiou, featuring photographs from the abandoned Nicosia (Lefkosia) International Airport. (closed to the public)
"Agropoetics: Soils/Bodies" - Art exhibition in Lefkosia
Contemporary Cypriot art exhibition, curated by Dr Elena Parpa, titled “Agropoetics: Soils/Bodies”, featuring works by more than 40 artists. Exhibition displayed until 30 June 2026.
"Cyprus at the Louvre" - Archaeological Exhibition in Paris
The archaeological exhibition/action will highlight the Cypriot antiquities on display at the Louvre Museum through the presentation of additional antiquities scheduled to travel from Cyprus specifically for the exhibition, and by enriching the visitors’ experience through contemporary technological applications. Exhibition displayed until 22 June 2026.
'Cyprus and Italy: shared cultural identities' - Archaeological exhibition in Rome
Archaeological exhibition entitled ‘Cyprus and Italy: shared cultural identities’, featuring 150 antiquities from Cyprus, Sardinia and Sicily, spanning 11.000 years of history.
"Sector 2": Historical exhibition
The experimental temporary exhibition entitled “Sector 2: Nicosia” narrates, through an innovative museological approach, the story of the Green Line, which splits the last divided capital of Europe
George Pol. Georghiou – Timeless Cyprus": Art exhibition
The “George Pol. Georghiou – Timeless Cyprus” exhibition was first held at the A.G. Leventis Gallery in Lefkosia in 2022 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the artist’s death. Exhibition displayed until 29 March 2026.
Artistic practices in museums and the retelling of museum narratives: Expanding the toolbox" and Launch of Performative Audio Walk "Encounters
The colloquium explores how contemporary artistic practices may (re)examine colonial and post-colonial museum practices. It also aims to strengthen the dialogue between Sweden and Cyprus regarding museums and their collections.
Theatrical Production “Encounters” / “Συναντήσεις
The play focuses on the encounter between Cypriots and Swedes before, during and after the completion of the Expedition.
Alexia "CYPRIOTE"
Drawing from a curated selection of songs and narratives from the singer’s international, Greek and traditional repertoires, “Cypriote” reflects the island’s rich and multilayered cultural identity.
"Beauty in question" - Art Exhibition
Beauty is not pursued per se, but is rather accrued in the materialisation of the work.
LOST SPACES – Inside the Nicosia Buffer Zone
Lefkosia (Nicosia), the capital of Cyprus, is the last divided city in Europe. The city’s Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities were first separated by the British in 1956.
Concert by "Monsieur Dοumani"
With Antonis Antoniou on the six-stringed tzouras, Demetris Yiasemides on a range of wind instruments and Andys Skordis on guitar and electronics, the trio is equally at home at WOMEX or the Sziget Festival and ESNS.
"Seconds In Clouds" and "Ode" – Contemporary dance performances
An evening with two choreographic productions: “Seconds in Clouds” by Alexandra Waierstall and “ODE” by Elena Antoniou.
“Picasso and Cyprus: Encounters with Mediterranean Ceramics” – Archaeological and Art exhibition
The archaeological-art exhibition includes 100–120 Cypriot antiquities dating from different periods, juxtaposed with selected works from Picasso’s ceramics. Exhibition displayed until 28 September 2026.
"Crafting Nature" - Art Exhibition
The exhibition “Crafting Nature” explores and highlights the artistic dynamic of Cypriot creators who use their “handmade” craft/artwork in ways dictated by Nature, as the ultimate source of inspiration. Exhibition displayed until 25 June 2026.
