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1. Synergies between public policies and programmes

2. Partnerships between the culture and creative sectors, youth organisations and youth workers

Synergies between public policies and programmes

The 1st and 2nd National Youth Strategies are a product of cross-sectoral cooperation, based on the active and direct involvement of Ministries, government agencies dealing with young people, youth organisations and, above all, young people themselves. 

Regarding the field of ‘creativity and culture’, coordinated objectives were incorporated within the ‘National Youth Strategy 2017-2022’, ensuring equal access to cultural institutions, supporting young artists, encouraging new cultural expression, and facilitating international youth cultural interaction. Similarly, the upcoming ‘National Youth Strategy 2030’ (Προσχέδιο Εθνικής Στρατηγικής για Νεολαία 2030) focuses on engaging and empowering young people’s cultural participation. More information about the National Youth Strategy 2017-2022, as well as the cross-sectoral approach with other ministries can be found in Chapter 1 ‘Youth Policy Governance’ (sections 1.3 National youth strategy and 1.5 Cross-sectoral approach with other ministries).

In addition, the Cyprus Theatre Organisation (THOC) collaborates with various actors, to promote cultural activities and outreach. Specifically, a strategic agreement with the University of Cyprus aims to support the connection between culture and education by engaging students in theatrical experiences, fostering their exposure to both classical and contemporary works, and promoting creativity, critical thinking, and cultural participation among young people (Στρατηγική συμφωνία συνεργασίας Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου-ΘΟΚ). Also, an agreement signed with the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (NAAC) (Δελτίο Τύπου-Υπογραφή Μνημονίου Συνεργασίας ΘΟΚ-ΑΑΕΚ) focuses on promoting social inclusion and well-being by: 

• Facilitating theatre visits for vulnerable groups.

• Offering free or reduced tickets for specific theatrical performances that take place within the framework of providing alternative healthy employment to children and young people belonging to vulnerable groups, as well as those who are in the process of treatment.

• Organising free workshops and discussions.

• Promoting THOC’s work though NAAC’s networks to provide young people and individuals in recovery with accessible cultural and creative opportunities.

Another important synergy is the one with the Youth Board of Cyprus and Pierides Museum-Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation. A memorandum of cooperation (Μνημόνιο Συνεργασίας υπέγραψαν το Μουσείο Πιερίδη- Πολιτιστικό Ίδρυμα Τράπεζας Κύπρου και ο Οργανισμός Νεολαίας Κύπρου) was signed in 2020, undertaking the joint organisation of information and engagement activities for young people on issues of artistic, historical, research and educational content in order to bring young people closer to culture and make culture more accessible to them. The Memorandum also provides for joint participation in European and other programmes for young people’s cultural development.

Partnerships between the culture and creative sectors, youth organisations and youth workers

Currently, there are no national policies fostering partnerships between the stakeholders of the culture and creative sector with youth NGO’s and youth workers.

However, a significant initiative, the ‘Larnaka 2030–European Capital of Culture’, established and continues to establish partnerships among culture and creative sectors, youth organisations and youth workers for its successful implementation. Find more about the initiative in the following section 8.9- Enhancing social inclusion through culture.