President Christofias opent tentoonstelling over historische banden Cyprus en Europa (en)

On the occasion of the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by Cyprus, BOZAR Centre for Fine Arts will host “Mapping Cyprus: Crusaders, Traders and Explorers”, an exhibition highlighting the ties between Europe and Cyprus, through icons, maps and paintings. President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Demetris Christofias i officially inaugurated today the exhibition, and welcomed distinguished guests

At the inauguration ceremony the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Christofias, expressed his delight of BOZAR hosting the exhibition, explaining that the city of Brussels, where the heart of the European Union beats, is the natural location to highlight the deep historical ties between Cyprus and Europe. President of the European Council Mr. Herman Van Rompuy i, European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism, Youth and Sport, Mrs. Androulla Vassiliou i, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Mrs Maria Damanaki i and Vice Prime Minister of Belgium, Ms Laurette Onkelinx, were among the distinguished guests.

“The direct ties with the continent were enhanced with the commencement of the Crusades and Richard the Lionheart’s arrival in Cyprus in 1191, while less than a millennium later, in 2012, we are enjoying a firm political relationship, with Cyprus’ assumption of the Presidency. Undoubtedly, Cyprus has been since the Middle Ages the last bastion of Europe in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is a reference point, the gateway, bridging material goods and intellectual enterprise from East to West and from West to East”, said the President.

The exhibition’s curator, Ms. Loukia Loizou-Hadjigavriel explains that the museological approach has two focus points, the first being the local element, where Cypriot residents are presented through the common characteristics which represent their own mentality, education and cultural heritage, and the second focusing on the European continent, recounting the manner, method and perception of Europeans on Cyprus, starting with the Crusades and until the present day.

The Brussels public has the opportunity until the 23rd of September to explore Cyprus’ history through the eyes of European painters, cartographers, writers and photographers and at the same time witness the cultural interchange that took place, especially with byzantine culture. The second part of the exhibition, focuses on Contemporary Views, providing an opportunity of acquaintance with contemporary Cypriot artists.

Contact Information:

Michalis Koumides, Press Counselor, mkoumides@pio.moi.gov.cy, 027395139

Stephania Pantzi-Stephanidi, Press Attaché, sstephanidi@pio.moi.gov.cy, 027395170

Centre for Fine Arts Bozar, +32 (0)2 507 82 00, www.bozar.be