The application folder for the candidacy of the newly established Municipality of Kourion to compete for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030 has been completed and is now in the printing stage. The Mayor of Western Limassol, Mr. Pantelis Georgiou, told “Entrepreneurial Limassol” that the entire process has already provided “valuable tools” for the cultural development of the Municipality, while also expressing optimism about the outcome of the endeavor.
According to the Mayor of Kourion, all required procedures have been completed, and the proposals accompanying the candidacy are ready. Additionally, a cultural development strategy has been drafted by the KOURION2030 Organization, adopted by the Municipal Council, and will be implemented regardless of the final outcome of the candidacy. The strategy, with a budget of approximately €20 million, is according to the Mayor, a key element for further strengthening the Municipality as a cultural institution, with a vision of becoming a "beacon of culture" for the whole of Cyprus.
Mr. Georgiou noted that public participation during the preparation process was impressive. “The public’s involvement exceeded all expectations. For instance, during the workshops in Episkopi, the halls were packed. There is a large number of active citizens eager to contribute to this effort, which pleasantly surprised me,” he emphasized.
Preservation of the KOURION2030 Organization
The Municipality of Kourion has decided to keep the KOURION2030 Organization operational, which was established to support the candidacy. The organization will continue to promote cultural initiatives, projects, and events, addressing existing gaps in the area. Currently, it is housed at the "Argo" building in Erimi, but in the future, it will share premises with the Cultural Services of the Municipality of Kourion.
Optimism for the Candidacy
Mr. Pantelis Georgiou expressed optimism about the chances of the Municipality of Kourion securing the title. “Our proposals are innovative and different from what we are accustomed to in Cyprus, combining actions and infrastructure that provide the area with a character of development through culture,” he stressed.
The Mayor also mentioned that it has been agreed that, in the event of either the Municipality of Kourion or the Municipality of Limassol advances to the next stage, the two Municipalities in the greater Limassol area competing for the title, will collaborate. He further pointed out that the proposals of the Municipality of Kourion, from the initial stage, include actions that could be extended across the entire Limassol district, including the Wine Villages and other Municipalities.
With its proposals and the strategy developed, the Municipality of Kourion is laying a strong foundation to claim the title of European Capital of Culture 2030. Regardless of the final outcome, the strategy aims to leverage the cultural sector and the resources available for the Municipality’s development, as aligned with the vision and concept of the European Capital of Culture initiative, Mr. Pantelis Georgiou concluded.
