The Cyprus National Ecosystem Forum on Cultural Heritage and Entrepreneurship, held on May 20, 2024, at the Leventis Art Gallery in Nicosia, united over 50 stakeholders from across Cyprus to address the educational and entrepreneurial challenges and opportunities within the cultural and creative industry (CCI) in Cyprus. Organized by Junior Achievement Cyprus, InnoEUsphere, and the Cyprus UNESCO National Commission, this event marked a significant step towards establishing a sustainable and vibrant cultural ecosystem on a national and pan-European level.
Participants were enthusiastic about the project, expressing a strong desire to commit fully to the initiative. The forum successfully mapped the challenges faced by cultural entrepreneurs, highlighting issues such as a small market to start a business, insufficient entrepreneurial education, the fear of starting a business, and the perception of culture as an outdated concept rather than a contemporary one. These insights are crucial for directing consortium efforts to fill gaps in entrepreneurship education for the CCI ecosystem.
Guest speakers, including Iosif Hadjikiriakos (Director, Phivos Stavrides Foundation, Archives and Research Center), Yiannis Koutsolampos (Partner, LKArchitects and Visiting Lecturer, Neapolis University Pafos), Kristi Melinioti (To Hani Co-living), Michalis Kalopaidis (Zedem Media), and Eva Korai (Assistant Professor, Department of Multimedia and Graphic Arts Cyprus University of Technology), provided valuable perspectives on the cultural ecosystem, analyzing its current state and future prospects. The presence and support of the Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Lina Kassianidou, further underscored the alignment of the Ministry’s vision with the forum’s goals, particularly in engaging the younger generation.
The event was a dynamic and interactive experience where attendees not only exchanged ideas but also formed meaningful partnerships aimed at tackling the challenges identified. The inspiring setting of the Leventis Art Gallery added to the significance of the occasion. This forum marks the beginning of an exciting journey for the cultural sector, with detailed analysis and outcomes to be shared in the coming months. The Cyprus forum was held in parallel with other ecosystem forums in Bulgaria, Italy, and Poland, showcasing a united effort to address educational challenges in the CCI industry across Europe.
Stay tuned for updates as we continue to drive progress in the cultural and creative industries!
