It is indeed with great pleasure that I welcome for yet another year, the Theatre Awards Ceremony of THOC for the year 2021.
Invariably, under the systematic efforts of its respective Boards of Directors, the Organization, since its creation in 1971, has been the station that laid the foundations for the development of theatrical practice and culture in our country.
It was irrevocably the platform for hundreds of Cypriot actors and artists to unfold their talent and creativity, giving a refreshing breath and new impetus to the theatrical and cultural events of our country.
Through this action and by highlighting the importance of theatrical art as an important pedagogical, educational and recreational tool, it contributed at the same time to the spiritual cultivation of citizens and the preservation of our national cultural identity.
A simple confirmation of the long-standing contribution and commitment of the Cyprus Theatre Organisation in this direction is, among others, the wide network of synergies it has developed, the numerous productions and the multitude of other activities it has developed. An institution, a true celebration of culture, which recognizes, honors and rewards the talent, work and zeal of people who have closely linked their lives to the theatrical stage in our country.
It is precisely this life path, closely interwoven with theatrical art, that the personalities we are awarding tonight, whom the jury has chosen to honour with the 2021 THOC Awards, have followed.
There is no doubt that the Grand Prizes are awarded to the greats.
There is no doubt that the Grand Prizes are awarded to the greats. Spyros Stavrinidis, in his more than half a century of presence on the theatre stage, stood out and defined with his performances the art he chose to serve, paving the way for future generations of actors.
A path that Antonis Georgiou seems to follow through the different directions of the great writing samples he has submitted over time, thus contributing to the creation of performances with strong messages for the audience, enriching the quality theatrical production in our country.
Christina Papadopoulou seems to follow a similar path, who as New Creator of the Year has succeeded in impressing and winning the audience with her acting skills, already stamping, as a promising actress, the theatrical events of the country.
Dear Spyros, Christina, Antonis, I would like to warmly congratulate you both on behalf of myself and the State. I emphasize that your activity, as well as that of the other remarkable candidates, in addition to the unique moments you have given to the theatrical public, is also recognized as significant in the promotion and development of the education and cultural life of our country.
As Mr. Stavrinidis recently stated, the arts, theatre, cinema, literature are the consciousness of the people which we must cultivate, preserve and promote.
I believe, he noted, that the establishment of the Deputy Ministry of Culture is an opportunity, since with this move, culture acquires a state entity, showing that it exists in the eyes of the state.
And in this context, he said, I welcome the decision of the Government of Cyprus in this direction.
Culture is the cornerstone on which the identity and the physiognomy of every nation is built. At the same time, culture is a public good, to which all citizens of any favoured state must have access, participate and enjoy equally.
In this direction, I would like to underline that we have adopted a series of targeted actions within the framework of a coherent policy, which focuses on supporting artistic expression, opening up to civil society and strengthening interculturalism.
In addition to our decision to create a Deputy Ministry of Culture, as an autonomous State body - of which THOC will be the soul - for a more coherent, more effective and more upgraded management of culture, I note indicatively:
- The creation of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts as the country's Supreme Cultural Institution.
- The strengthening of cultural activities focusing on literature, visual arts, music, dance, popular culture, theatre and cinema on the basis of the "Culture" allocation programme and the "Thymeli" project based on funding procedures.
- The support of the Lefkosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos Writers' Shelters, as well as the Nicosia and Limassol Contemporary Dance Shelters.
- The implementation of dozens of programmes in municipalities and communities, as well as artistic workshops, aiming to involve as many young people as possible in the creative process.
- The establishment of a mobile theatre performance unit in dozens of mountain communities, which do not have easy access to the theatre. A few days ago, the Cultural Agency for Mountain Communities has also been established, which will contribute significantly to the development, culture and opportunities that should be given to those in remote, mountainous or remote areas.
- The promotion of cultural diversity and the strengthening of cultural pluralism, which is a fundamental principle of UNESCO, by supporting cultural programmes of the Latins, Armenians and Maronites.
At the same time, the development vision for culture focuses on improving the quality of life through sustainable development, the enrichment of cultural institutions and the further development of national cultural works such as. [*]The remodelling of the State Gallery of Contemporary Art. [*]The launching of the procedures for the architectural studies of the building of the Cyprus Library and the start of the construction works of the Cultural Village of Lebas. [*]The archaeological museum to be built in Nicosia is a project currently in the tendering process. [/LIST]
Recognizing, at the same time, the blow to the artistic community as a result of the pandemic, we sought, always to the extent possible, to mitigate the difficult position in which all artists found themselves. For 2021, a sum of 3.06 million euros has been allocated for 2040 creators of culture, including actors.
Acknowledging that we have not done everything or that no matter how hard one tries there will always be weaknesses, I want to say that we are ready to listen, to see how, through consultation, we can do what we owe both to artists and to our people.
I am sure that the creation of the Deputy Ministry of Culture will be an important step in the right direction, with the main objective of finally having an integrated, coherent cultural policy in our country.
I would like to warmly congratulate the award winners and thank the jury for their choices.
I would be remiss if I did not express my congratulations to the President and members of the Cyprus Theatre Organisation who, through close cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports and Youth, have really succeeded in making the THOC a cultural organisation.
(PM/MB)
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