**Scheme Launched to Preserve Refugees’ Cultural Heritage**
The Deputy Ministry of Culture in Cyprus has officially launched the ‘Nostos’ support scheme, designed to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of refugee communities. This initiative was announced on Monday and aims to document the cultural identity, history, and traditions of communities that were displaced following the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974.
The ‘Nostos’ scheme focuses on maintaining cultural memory through various means, including narratives, customs, architecture, language, and collective experiences. The Deputy Ministry emphasizes the importance of supporting projects that contribute to the continuation of cultural activities among these communities.
Eligible applicants for the scheme include individuals and organizations registered with municipalities in exile, as well as refugee associations. The initiative encourages collaboration between different communities and cultural bodies, aiming to foster a sense of shared heritage and identity. The ministry has highlighted the importance of documentation, archival work, digital preservation, and participatory cultural projects as key components of the scheme.
Applications for the ‘Nostos’ scheme will be accepted through the Department of Contemporary Culture’s digital grants platform, which is set to open on August 24. Interested applicants will have until September 14 at 2 PM to submit their proposals. To assist potential applicants, an information session is scheduled for September 1 at the ministry’s office in Strovolos.
The scope of the ‘Nostos’ scheme is broad, encompassing various fields such as literature, visual arts, music, dance, theatre, traditional culture, and cinema. The Deputy Ministry aims to maintain cultural continuity among displaced communities by supporting actions that preserve collective memory and promote engagement with their heritage.
Funding will be allocated for proposals that are implemented by communities, refugee associations, and supported individuals or organizations. Projects can take place in locations that are determined based on their specific purposes and requirements.
This initiative represents a significant step towards recognizing and preserving the cultural heritage of refugee communities in Cyprus, ensuring that their histories and traditions are documented and celebrated for future generations.