A series of free creative workshops put in contact citizens with local artists
Between July and September, a series free HUB-IN Creative Workshops open to the public brought visitors of Nicosia’s Historic Urban Area [HUA] and local artists closer, while at the same time, promoting the city’s Cultural and Creative Industries.
Five workshops were organised in total, two for kids and three for adults, by the Municipality and the Cyprus Energy Agency, and hosted by CYENS Center of Excellence, CYENS Thinker Maker Space, and Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, which are located in Nicosia’s HUA.
“The sense of abandonment of Nicosia’s HUA impacts the inhabitants and workers”, according to the organisers. “Despite the diversity of citizens groups represented within the HUA, there is lack of collectivism and there is a real need to create social interactions and activity intersections. Historically, this was a craftsmen area where creatives and artists gathered and craftsmanship studios bloomed.” – The HUB-IN Team
Using the ingredients that constitute the values of Nicosia’s HUB-IN, and elements of the tangible and intangible cultural fabric of the city, the organisers offered a series of experiential events that (re)connect traditional and contemporary practices, old and new skills and knowledge, and bring together people that would not otherwise connect. For instance, one of the two workshops for kids introduced the art of making head and waist scarves in the 19th century on the island, with a modern twist of making bandanas stamped with traditional patterns. Another example, was the workshop for the design and production of table lamps through digital fabrication, using the laser-cut technique, that raised awareness about the dying traditional crafts of the country and revived textile patterns in a radical way through a modern product.
Citizens’ new perception of Nicosia’s historic center
42 people participated enthusiastically. Data from the pre-questionnaire participants had to complete during registration shows that most of them are not familiar with Nicosia’s history and culture (49%), yet they believe Nicosia is a powerhouse of creativity (53%). At the same time, they insist that the preservation/promotion of the local cultural heritage is and should be a public liability (90%).
16 participants replied to the optional post-activity questionnaire, most of them citizens of the city outside the walls. The majority of them (10/16) said they would stay at home or do nothing else if it was not about the workshop. A high percentage also said they joined the workshops in seek for some personal relaxation and to get to know Nicosia arts and costumes. 6/12 said they joined to meet Nicosia’s Cultural and Creative Industries.
Other insights include that the workshops have somehow helped change their perception of Nicosia/Cyprus’ Cultural Heritage (5/16 said Not much – Not little and 5/16 said Much). They have also helped boost their sense of pride about it (7/16 said Much). 8/16 also said that the workshops helped them develop new skills or boost existing ones, create memories, and network with people they would otherwise not. Speaking of the latter, 4/16 respondents said that the workshops inspired them to either start a new hobby or business, and 3 said they would incorporate the techniques they learned in their existing businesses to boost innovation in the design of new products/services.
It is worth mentioning that the Action has already achieved the goals: to stimulate and encourage the development of new collaborations between citizens and local stakeholders, to elevate the sense of pride and sense of belonging for the local creative community, and overall, to raise awareness about Nicosia’s HUB-IN.
The activity falls under Action 3 of the city’s Plan within the HUB-IN project, Activations of the Hub – Interacting and Engaging. To learn more about Nicosia’s HUB-IN, click here.
