Limassol has completed the process of claiming the title of European Capital of Culture for 2030, presenting a proposal based on participation, dialogue and cooperation between the people and institutions of the city.
The preparation has been an open process, with public discussions, working groups, joint actions and active response from creators, cultural organizations, communities, educational institutions and citizens. Regardless of the final outcome, this course formed a common field of cooperation that remains alive and active.
A journey that placed Culture at the heart of city life
Lemesos has concluded its bid for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, presenting a proposal based on participation, dialogue and cooperation among the people and institutions of the city. The preparation was an open process, shaped through public discussions, focus groups, joint actions and active engagement by artists, cultural organizations, communities, educational institutions and citizens. Regardless of the final outcome, this journey has formed a shared field of collaboration that remains alive and active.
The bar is high. Great pain. We process what we have experienced to build the foundations of tomorrow. We tried big. So it hurts big. Processing and laying the foundations for tomorrow. Statement by the Mayor of Limassol, Yiannis Armeutis
Hearty congratulations to Larnaca for its success. It is a success of our Cyprus and we are all proud of it. We are ready to cooperate where this can benefit our culture and our country in general. Warm congratulations to our own team, for the great effort put in all these months. I want to thank the Board of Directors and the team of the Limassol 2030 Organization for their excellent work. They worked with professionalism, consistency and seriousness at every stage of this process.
The process of claiming the title of European Capital of Culture allowed Limassol to assess its needs, strengthen the dialogue with the city's agencies and set its priorities more clearly for the coming years. For the Municipality of Limassol, the orientation of the next day is clear. We advance vision and plan for a city for all. With projects and actions that strengthen culture and improve the quality of life in Limassol. The goals we set remain and are a solid basis for the future of the city.
Statement by the Mayor of Limassol, Mr Yiannis Armevtis
I wish to congratulate Larnaca on its success. This is a success for Cyprus as a whole, and we are all proud of this. We stand ready to cooperate wherever this may benefit culture and our island in general. I would also like to warmly congratulate our own team for the tremendous efforts made over these past months, and thank the Board of Directors and the team of the Lemesos 2030 Organization for their outstanding work. They worked with professionalism and consistency at every stage of this journey.
The bid process for the title of European Capital of Culture enabled Lemesos to assess its needs, to strengthen dialogue with the city's institutions and to define more clearly its priorities for the coming years. For the Municipality of Lemesos, the direction is clear: we move forward with a vision and a plan for a city for all—through projects and actions that strengthen culture and enhance quality of life in Lemesos. The goals we have set remain in place and constitute a stable foundation for the city's future.
Statement of the Chairman of the Board of Directors Limassol 2030 Organization, Dr. Andreas Pitta
"The process of claiming the title was an experience of deep collectiveness and participation. We had the opportunity to see first hand what Limassol can achieve when it unites its forces, ideas and creativity around a common vision. The real value of this route is not limited to the end result. It is found in what has been cultivated along the way: partnerships created, relationships of trust strengthened, ways of thinking changed and a new perspective on how the city can evolve through culture.
Limassol has a vibrant, productive and endlessly creative society. This human capital remains the strongest foundation upon which the next steps can be built. This experience reminded us that our city can move forward when it operates with collectiveness, consistency and faith in its capabilities. The work he started does not stop here. We continue with knowledge, maturity and a sense of responsibility towards Limassol and its people".
Statement by Dr. Andreas Pittas, Chairman of the Board, Lemesos 2030 Organization
"The bidding journey was an experience of deep collectivity and participation. We had the opportunity to witness first-hand what Lemesos can achieve when it unites its strengths, ideas and creativity around a shared vision. The true value of this journey is not confined to the final outcome. It lies in what was cultivated along the way: collaborations that were formed, relationships of trust that were strengthened, ways of thinking that evolved, and a new perspective on how the city can grow through culture.
Lemesos possesses a vibrant, productive and endlessly creative society. This human capital remains the strongest foundation upon which the next steps can be built. This experience reminded us that our city can move forward when it operates with collectivity, consistency and faith in its potential. The work that has begun does not end here. We continue with knowledge, maturity and a sense of responsibility towards Lemesos and its people.”
Statement by Artistic Director, Eleana Alexandrou
Our advocacy journey has been a process of constant listening, planning and sharing. It gave us the opportunity to work consistently, listen to new voices, synthesize different perspectives and co-shape the city's cultural priorities. I sincerely thank all those who have been my companions: sponsors and supporters, creators and artists, cultural institutions, groups, communities, schools, professionals and residents who offered valuable time, knowledge and energy.
We will briefly take the time needed to breathe and look clearly at the next step. Everything built along this path – relationships, collaborations, common directions – is a valuable foundation for the future of culture in our city. We warmly congratulate the Larnaca 2030 team for winning the title of European Capital of Culture. Their success reflects years of dedication and creative consistency. We wish them every success in realizing their vision. Culture unites us through dialogue, exchange and curiosity about the other – and in this field all cities have to learn and offer from the second European Capital of Culture in Cyprus.
Statement by the Artistic Director, Eleana Alexandrou
Our bid journey was a process of continuous listening, planning and exchange. It gave us the opportunity to work with consistency, to listen to new voices, to bring together different perspectives and to co-shape the cultural priorities of the city.
I wish to sincerely thank all those who stood beside us as fellow travelers: sponsors and supporters, creators and artists, cultural organizations, groups, communities, schools, professionals and residents who offered their valuable time, knowledge and energy.
We will take the short time needed to pause, to breathe and to look ahead with clarity towards the next step. Everything built along this journey—relationships, collaborations and shared directions—forms a precious foundation for the future of culture in our city.
We warmly congratulate the Larnaka 2030 team on winning the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Their success reflects years of dedication and creative consistency. We wish them every success in the implementation of their vision. Culture unites us through dialogue, exchange and curiosity for one another—and in this field, all cities have something to learn from and offer to Cyprus's second European Capital of Culture.
Whatever the result, Limassol proved what can be achieved through teamwork!
Regardless of the outcome, Lemesos proved what it can achieve when it comes together!
