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It is with great pleasure that I inaugurate today the opening of the Larnaca Biennale 2023. This event, supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture through the sponsorship programme "Kypria Arts Festival", was officially launched in 2018 following the initiative of a small group of artists and art lovers. In just five years it has managed to evolve and establish itself as an important event both in Cyprus and abroad.
The Larnaca Biennale introduces a new institution in the cultural events of Cyprus, opening a large and fertile field of action for contemporary Cypriot art: that of hosting international artistic events.
The Larnaca Biennale introduces a new institution in the cultural events of Cyprus, opening a large and fertile field of action for contemporary Cypriot art: that of hosting international artistic events.
The dynamics of this initiative brings every two years to our country hundreds of artists from all countries of the world together with foreign curators, gallerists, international media journalists and international press offices. The benefit for the country is great, since they will act as ambassadors of our island abroad, bringing with them experiences and images of our own culture.
The Biennale could not, of course, not coexist and interact with the local community, since apart from the main exhibition in the six exhibition halls, the entire city of Larnaca is transformed into a large stage to host dozens of parallel events that accompany this event.
The Biennale could not, of course, not coexist and interact with the local community, since apart from the main exhibition in the six exhibition halls, the entire city of Larnaca is transformed into a large stage to host dozens of parallel events that accompany this event.
These kinds of initiatives contribute to the convergence of culture with the two already internationally recognized cutting-edge sectors of Cyprus, those of services and tourism, creating a new and promising area of cultural, social and economic upgrading for our country.
The thematic framework of the Larnaca Biennale 2023, entitled "Home Away from Home", has been a source of inspiration for hundreds of artists from all over the world, who have submitted their own proposals that touch upon deep concepts such as identity, belonging, displacement and the search for a sense of belonging in an ever-evolving contemporary world. From these, 101 proposals by 101 artists from 35 different countries were selected, which demonstrates the extent of the Larnaca Biennale's imprint on the global art scene and deserves special mention.
This gathering of artistic creations from all over the world in Larnaca is expected to exceed 35,000 visitors in the almost one and a half months that it will last.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture will always support, to the extent of its capabilities, any effort that highlights the cultural product of our country, that enhances the image of Cypriot culture internationally and contributes to the achievement of the objectives of its strategic planning. Moreover, cultural education is a priority and I am glad that the participation of students from secondary education in Cyprus in this event has been planned. This will contribute to further educate and inform young people about culture and art.
I would like to thank the Mayor Mr. Andreas Vyra and the Municipality of Larnaca in general for all the support and hospitality. Thanks also to the Departments of the Ministry of Culture, the Department of Modern & Contemporary Culture, the Department of Antiquities and the Cyprus Handicraft Service for their support and contribution to this event.
Let me mention that it is important for us, as the Deputy Ministry of Culture, that the Department of Antiquities is participating in this event for the first time, by providing the Medieval Castle as one of the six exhibition spaces of the Biennale. Sites with historical and cultural significance, such as the Medieval Castle of Larnaca, certainly add another glamour and importance to the whole event.
It would also be an omission not to mention the important collaboration between the Cyprus Handicraft Service and the Larnaca Biennale in its last two editions, for the creation of the commemorative gifts, inspired by Cypriot tradition, which were given to the artists.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention the important collaboration between the Cyprus Handicraft Service and the Larnaca Biennale in its last two editions, for the creation of the commemorative gifts, inspired by Cypriot tradition, which were given to the artists.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention the important collaboration between the Cyprus Handicraft Service and the Larnaca Biennale in its last two editions.
For us, these collaborations represent an important development, as the Department of Modern and Contemporary Culture, together with the Department of Antiquities and the Cyprus Handicrafts Service, prove that their operation under the new roof of the Ministry of Culture can now bear fruit. And by joining forces, dear ones, we can touch a more holistic and integrated framework for our arts and culture. Without your efforts this unique event would not have been possible.
My congratulations to Curator Yev Kravt for her significant contribution to the completion of this year's edition of the Larnaca Biennale, for the interesting subject matter and general curation.
I would like to officially welcome the artists from Cyprus and abroad, thank them and congratulate them for their participation in the Larnaca Biennale 2023.
I would like to officially welcome the artists from Cyprus and abroad, thank them and congratulate them for their participation in the Larnaca Biennale 2023.
Now, before I conclude, allow me to take a moment to address our distinguished guests in English, including the representatives of the diplomatic missions in Cyprus and all those who have travelled from abroad to join us for the Larnaka Biennale. A special note of appreciation goes to the curator of the Biennale, Yev Kravt, and the participating artists for their outstanding contributions to the Larnaka Biennale 2023. I look forward to seeing your exceptional creations. I extend my warmest wishes and wish you a delightful stay on our beautiful island.
I wish you all every success.
(ΕΦυς/ΝΓ)
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