7. Financing and support
Cyprus
Information is currently not available
Last update: December, 2014
The budget of the Ministry of Culture for Contemporary Culture in 2010 was EUR 32 362 034 (34 876 522 EUR for 2011). In this figure it is not included the budget of the Department of Antiquities of the Ministry of Communication and Public Works (EUR 18 520 070 for 2010) and the budget of the Ministry of Interior for Urban Cultural Heritage (EUR 13 885 120 for 2010).
Public expenditure figures from the local authorities are not available.
Information is currently not available.
Last update: December, 2014
Support to artists is either direct or indirect. Direct support is provided by means of the state funding system for providing financial aid to cultural projects promoted by the artists themselves, and by not for profit organisations or other cultural operators. Moreover, travel grants are provided to artists on the basis of certain criteria (cf. chapter 2.6). In addition to the above, there are certain policy measures in place which support artistic work, like for example, the purchase of works of art for the collection of the State Gallery of Contemporary Cypriot Art, the promotion of Cypriot art abroad through the participation in such international artistic events as is the Venice Biennale, and the Midem Music Fair. Moreover, public buildings can be enriched with works of art, based on a specific law (cf.
chapter 4.2.4). An honorary pension scheme awarded to cultural workers for their longstanding contribution has been in place, but is currently being re-evaluated. Apart from the above, certain institutions such as the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra (CySO) or the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC), support artistic creation.
Last update: December, 2014
Funding of artists' activities is mainly provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The Ministry on the basis of a call for applications supports artistic projects through a grant scheme for the various art forms (e.g. Dance, Visual Arts, Music, Cinema, Literature, etc.).
More specifically, there are certain programmes that operate in the context of this funding scheme:
- subsidy programme for individual artists in the fields of letters, music, theatre, visual arts, folk culture / cultural heritage, dance and film;
- subsidy programme for cultural agencies, organisations and foundations in the fields of letters, music, theatre, visual arts, folk culture / cultural heritage, dance and film; and
- subsidy programme for the cultural development of Municipalities and Communities.
For cinema, there is a Cinema Ministerial Committee, which – following recommendations by the Cinema Consultative Committee – provides support for short productions and the production of documentary films.
Moreover, certain cultural projects and initiatives promote the contemporary Cypriot Art abroad, like for example the Venice Biennale, the Biennale for Young Artists from Europe and the Mediterranean, the MIDEM Music Fair or cinema festivals.
In the field of contemporary dance, apart from the other programmes and funding schemes, a pilot programme for the strengthening of creativity and research has been created, which aims at supporting new productions and research.
Last update: December, 2014
Measures include, but are not limited to:
- State literary awards and awards for children's / youth literature and illustration;
- Honorary Monthly Grants;
- Grants for studies in contemporary Cypriot culture; or
- Purchases for the State Collection of Contemporary Cypriot Art.
The Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture support film directors, producers, musicians and other cultural professionals for participating in various educational seminars and laboratories abroad.
On the basis of the Council of Ministers decision No. 67.949 dated 12/11/2008, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra Foundation has undertaken the management and operation of the Programme for the Development of Musical Talents, which functions at a pilot stage within the context of the String Music Workshop for a small number of children (about 30 children). In May 2012, a Contract was signed between the Ministry of Education and Culture and an experienced professional teacher for the provision of additional services for the Programme, aiming at covering the instruction requirements of around 100 children (lessons in violin, viola, cello, contrabass and chamber music). Moreover the Cyprus Symphony Youth Orchestra operates the Music Workshop in which experienced musicians teach young musicians the respective music instruments of the Orchestra.
Furthermore, Cultural Services operate a system of monthly honorary grants which based on certain criteria are awarded to people of the Letters and the Arts who have completed 63 years old. In this context, Cultural Services are also responsible for the Excellence Awards in Letters, Arts and Sciences.
Support to artists is also provided in the context of cultural diplomacy and the operation of Cypriot Cultural Centres abroad (see chapter 1.4).
Last update: December, 2014
All major associations of writers, visual and performing artists receive subsidies through the funding system for providing state grants.
Support is also provided to the Fine Arts Chamber, as well as some other associations of self-taught and amateur artists (i.e. EKATE, ENAZ, Cyprus Centre of Cypriot Composers).
Information is currently not available.