Yiannis Toumazis named new director of BoCCF

Dr Yiannis Toumazis, the first Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, has been appointed Director of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation (BoCCF).

With a distinguished academic and professional career in the island’s cultural life, Dr Toumazis is expected to strengthen the important and multifaceted work of the BoCCF.

Expressing pleasure at stepping into the role, in light of the Foundation’s rich history, unique collections and substantial work, Dr Toumazis said he was honoured to take over the direction of the BoCCF, promising to be tireless in the further promotion of the body’s key mission in the cultural life of Cyprus.

Born in Famagusta, Toumazis studied Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, followed by studies in Scenography at the Utrecht School of Fine Arts in the Netherlands and Aesthetics and Theory of Art at the University of Amiens in France, where he completed his PhD thesis.

He was Professor of Art History and Theory at Frederick University and coordinator of the doctoral programme, producing a rich body of writing.

From 1994 -2023 he served as Director of the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre and the Pierides Foundation. He was also Chairman of the Board of the Theatre Organisation of Cyprus, and Vice Chairman of the Bicommunal Technical Committee for Culture.

In 2011, the French Republic awarded him the title of Knight of Arts and Letters for his contribution to culture. In 2020, he was unanimously elected Corresponding Member of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

He has been curator at several museums in Cyprus and Greece, including the award-winning THALASSA Municipal Museum of Ayia Napa, and was commissioned to curate the selection and installation of artworks by Cypriot artists at Larnaca and Paphos Airports.

In 2022, he was appointed first Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus, a post he held until February 2023.