**University of Limassol to Participate in Mitsikouri 2026 Festival Promoting Inclusion in the Arts**
The University of Limassol (UoL) is set to play a significant role in the upcoming Mitsikouri 2026 International Festival of Performing Arts for Children and Young People. The festival aims to champion inclusion, accessibility, and the right of all children and young people to engage equally in cultural experiences. The program for this third edition of the festival was officially announced on September 2, 2026, at the Leventis Gallery.
Dr. Andri Hadjiandreou, the Director of the UoL Centre for Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (UoL Centre for DEI), represented the university during the unveiling of the festival's program. The event, organized by the Theatre Centre for Children and Young People – ASSITEJ Cyprus, is scheduled to take place from October 10 to 18, 2026. It will feature 14 productions from 11 different countries, with performances held in various cities including Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos, as well as events in the Famagusta district.
A standout feature of this year's festival will be the inclusive performance titled “Helix – The Hanging Garden,” which hails from Norway. This performance is being produced in collaboration with the ENA Foundation and the University of Limassol. The partnership is particularly meaningful for the UoL Centre for DEI, as it aligns closely with their core values of equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. Furthermore, it reflects the university's commitment to fostering connections between academia and the broader community.
In addition to the performances, the festival will host a round-table discussion focused on inclusion and accessibility within the performing arts. This forum aims to create a constructive dialogue regarding the existing barriers to participation in the arts and to explore effective practices that can enhance access for all individuals.
The overarching vision of Mitsikouri 2026 is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience theatre and the performing arts, irrespective of their geographical location, economic status, or individual needs. The University of Limassol and the UoL Centre for DEI emphasize that inclusion should not be merely a theoretical concept but a tangible process that fosters real opportunities for access, participation, and expression in the arts.
The university believes that culture and the arts are vital in this pursuit, as they can create environments where diversity is not only welcomed but celebrated as a catalyst for creativity, dialogue, and social advancement. The University of Limassol expresses pride in its involvement in Mitsikouri 2026, viewing it as a practical application of the values integral to its mission.
Participation in the Mitsikouri festival also marks a significant step for the University of Limassol and the UoL Centre for DEI in their ongoing efforts to forge meaningful partnerships with various organizations and community bodies. This collaboration aims to bridge the gap between educational pursuits and cultural engagement, ultimately contributing to the development of more inclusive communities.
Mitsikouri 2026 promises to be a landmark event, showcasing the importance of accessibility and inclusion in the performing arts while providing a platform for young audiences to experience the transformative power of theatre. The festival's commitment to these ideals resonates deeply with the University of Limassol's mission, reinforcing the belief that every child deserves the chance to engage with the arts.