Calls for deputy minister of culture to resign

The federation of theatre institutions on Friday called for the deputy minister of culture Vasiliki Kassianidou, and her permanent secretary to resign from their posts, urging the president to interfere so as to save the arts.

In a letter to President Nikos Christodoulides, the federation warned theaters were at risk of shutting down and dozens of artists would be homeless.

It said the cause were the results of the Thymeli 2024 funding scheme for the first half of the year, calling it destructive to the arts, and consequently led to “the oldest theatre groups in Cyprus deciding to suspend all their activities.”

Following the uproar, the deputy ministry said issues surrounding the funding would be put to public consultation in February so as to find a solution.

In a statement, it highlighted it “fully understands the need for more support for all sectors related to culture – and of course the theatre sector – and is working systematically in this direction.

“With the existing means and resources at its disposal, the ministry tries support as many theatrical productions as possible from as many institutions as possible”.

The federation said it had written to the president on September 28, without receiving a response. Itdetailed that although the finance ministry had agreed to a 30 per cent increase in the funds available for theatre, the federation repeatedly warned the plan would be “destructive for the entire theatre community.”

The letter adds that the deputy culture ministry however “was obsessed in implementing it” and during a House education committee, the permanent secretary assured there was no risk for the viability of theatre.

“The results, however, lead both theatres to immediate closure and dozens of artists and other theatre workers to unemployment.”

The ministry specified that the Themeli scheme for the first six months of next year designated around €654,000 to fund professional theatrical productions, compared to €570,000 allocated in the corresponding period of 2023.

This corresponds to a 15 per cent increase, it added.

“A corresponding amount will be allocated through an evaluation process in the second half of 2024, allocation a total amount of €1.3 million to the Cypriot theatre in 2024 for some sponsorship of performances”.