A vibrant evening of culture, art and community is coming up in Nicosia this Saturday as Generation for Change CY and Visual Voices host the Diversity Day Art Festival. Music, art, performances and food stalls will explore worldwide cultures to highlight multiculturality and, of course, diversity.

The festival is organised on the occasion of World Cultural Diversity Day, an international observance dedicated to promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusion and respect for cultural diversity. Through this community-centred celebration, the event will bring together artists, communities and audiences from all walks of life for an evening of artistic expression, cultural exchange and collective celebration. From 5pm to 9.30pm, the square will come alive with interactive workshops for all ages, including drumming, salsa dance, ceramics, henna, papier-mâché and painting.

As the sun sets, audiences will enjoy a dynamic line-up of music and dance performances, featuring artists and groups from diverse backgrounds currently living and creating in Cyprus. The evening will conclude with a DJ set featuring music from different parts of the world. Throughout the event, visitors will also be able to explore a variety of cultural food stalls and handmade crafts offered by vendors from across the community.

“We invite everyone to come and experience the growing cultural richness of Cyprus,” says managing director of Generation for Change CY Etinosa Erevbenagie-Johnbull. “Cyprus is home to many incredible artists from refugee and migrant communities, yet too often, systemic barriers prevent them from meaningfully practising and sharing their work and contributing to both the cultural legacy and the vibrant present of this country. This festival is a celebration of their creativity and presence. We welcome adults and children to join the workshops, enjoy the performances, and be part of a shared cultural space where everyone belongs.”

“Honouring all artists and creative makers in the Cypriot cultural landscape is essential only through embracing our creative pluralism does art reveals its full potential. Diversity is not a challenge to art; it is its very soul. May this festival stand as both a testament to the richness of our diverse artistic voices and an incentive for continuing to nurture and expand the cultural sphere of the island,” added director of the Programme Development from Visual Voices Alden Jacobs.

Diversity Day Art Festival

Festival by Generation for Change CY and Visual Voices with music and dance performances, food stands and DJs. May 24. Phaneromeni Square, Nicosia. 5pm-9.30pm. Free