Preparations are under way in Larnaca following its selection as European Capital of Culture for 2030, with staffing processes launched and early cultural activities already planned.
The Artistic Director of Larnaca 2030, Kelly Diapouli, said that the next formal step is the official designation by the Deputy Ministry of Culture. She explained that the decision by the European expert panel is advisory.
The Deputy Ministry must formally adopt it and officially declare Larnaca as European Capital of Culture 2030. This decision will then be communicated to the European Commission and the European Parliament.
Once this formal designation is completed, Larnaca will officially hold the title. Administrative and organisational procedures will then begin.
These include setting up the operating company and expanding its staff. Diapouli said the organisation currently has four people, but will need a full team to manage a project with a total budget of €27 million.
She said the process is moving quickly. An open call is already under way for the positions of General Director and Head of Communication and Marketing. The deadline is 30 January. The aim is for the key positions to be filled by the end of the first quarter of the year, by March.
Diapouli said staffing of the artistic team will follow. She explained that the first year after the title award will focus mainly on administrative and organisational work.
This phase is necessary to secure funding and ensure the organisation can operate fully before the main artistic programme begins.
The Deputy Ministry of Culture has already announced that it will provide €10 million for the project.
However, details on how and when the funds will be paid, and under what conditions, are still being finalised. These arrangements must be agreed before the company can operate fully and begin its artistic work.
Diapouli clarified that funding for European Capitals of Culture mainly comes from national sources. The European Union provides €1.5 million at the end of the process. She said all funding sources were included in the bid dossier submitted by Larnaca 2030.
According to the plan, the Municipality of Larnaca will contribute €7.5 million. The Larnaca District Local Government Organisation will provide €2 million. Around €3.5 million is expected from sponsorships. A further €2 million is expected from competitive European programmes through funding applications.
Diapouli said Larnaca 2030 has already secured funding from two European programmes won last year. As a result, several artistic activities will take place during the current year.
One project focuses on social art and is already funded. Six artists from abroad will come to Cyprus for one month. They will work with residents of the Tsiakkilero and Agioi Anargyroi housing estates.
The collaboration between the artists and local residents will result in artworks. These works will be presented as part of a festival planned for October.
She also said Larnaca 2030 will receive funding through another European programme involving all candidate cities and past European Capitals of Culture.
Between 6 and 8 May, around Europe Day, Larnaca will host a major European conference. More than 100 delegates from across Europe are expected to attend.
In addition, Larnaca 2030 is involved in a European programme in cooperation with the European network for artist mobility.
This includes a conference with cultural representatives from different European countries. The focus will be on artists’ rights and improving working conditions. Special attention will be given to artists at risk, artists in exile, and persecuted artists.
Diapouli also confirmed that a large celebration event will be held soon to officially mark the success of Larnaca’s selection. All artists who have worked on Larnaca 2030 will be invited, including musicians and other cultural practitioners.
She said that around April, all artists from the city and district of Larnaca, as well as cultural organisations involved or interested in the project, will be invited to a briefing event. The programme will be presented and explained. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with artists and organisations from across Europe and learn how to take part.
Diapouli said this process will help shape the projects that will be presented during Larnaca’s year as European Capital of Culture in 2030.