Nicosia prepares for an artsy weekend

Despite the measures and gloomy weather, artists of Nicosia are organising several events this weekend to paint the town with the Christmas spirit. The trend to shop small has picked up since the pandemic broke out, with delays and increased fees on international deliveries and a shift in mindset to support local creators. This weekend, Nicosia’s old town will fill with festive pop-up bazaars and open artist studios bringing local artists and people closer together.

On Friday Visual Space is hosting a Christmas pop-up event at Sneak Peek Multispace from 4pm to 10pm. The art platform goes offline for the first time and invites some of its artists to showcase their creations in the spirit of Christmas. Prints and drawings by Alexandra Panayi, Anna Miltiadou (BrainFKR), Elpida Fragkeskidou, Iacovos Loizou (Mr Kok), Kora Moya Rojo, Kristy M Chan and Mikaella Melanidou will have their work available for purchase at the event.

Also happening in the old town this weekend, local artist Actina Jewelry is hosting Open Studio days on Saturday and Sunday. Situated in the heart of walled Nicosia, the jewellery brand opens its workshop doors and invites people to have closer look at the latest Callitris collection, browse Christmas gifts, meet the artist behind the brand and see where the pieces are made.

A little bit further down the neighbourhood, on Ermou Street, artists and local businesses of the area are organising their annual Christmas market. On Saturday and Sunday, Ermou Street will fill with music, art stalls, open studios, warm meals and beverages. Eleven of the neighbourhood’s shops and workshops are getting together to share their work and celebrate the festive season. The Christmas at Ermou 272 event always manages to spread a cheerful atmosphere, filling with centre of Nicosia with art and music. This year will be no different and should the rainy weather allow it, the event will be on from 10am until 6pm.

On Sunday, another part of the old town invites art-loving folk to browse creations from local artists. Archive Artspace on Perikleous Street just off Ledras, hosts the Jolly Holly Pop Up featuring 25 local artists and handcrafters that create ceramics, illustrations, clothing, jewellery and more. If it is locally-made, small business Christmas gifts you are after, this is the weekend to look out for!

Christmas Pop Up

Local artists sell their work. Event by Visual Space. December 17. Sneakpeak Multispace, Nicosia. 4pm-10pm. [email protected]

Open Studio Weekend

By Actina Jewelry. December 18-19. Thiseos 21, Nicosia. 2pm-6pm. Tel: 99-303109

Christmas at Ermou 272

Artists and shops of the neighbourhood open their studios and homes. December 18-19. Ermou Street, Nicosia. 10am-6pm

Jolly Holly Pop Up

Pop up featuring 25 local artists. By Archive Artspace. December 19. Archive Artspace, Nicosia. 11am-3pm. Tel: 96-721166