Junior Achievement Cyprus, the Cypriot National Commission for UNESCO, and the UNESCO Associated Schools Network recently organized the second annual Innovation Day in Cultural and Creative Industries. The event was held at the "Panos Solomonidis" Cultural Center in Limassol.

As stated in a press release by the Cypriot National Commission for UNESCO, participating students from various schools formed mixed teams. They were tasked with proposing ideas to contribute to the sustainability of the handicraft sector, an aspect of intangible cultural heritage, considering ethical principles. By leveraging technology, they gathered relevant information and developed their proposals, guided by professionals in culture and business. The best proposals were awarded by a special committee.

The event provided students the opportunity to develop creative and innovative thinking, enhance entrepreneurial skills, and promote communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. It also aimed to discover and address challenges in the cultural sector, network with culture professionals, and develop presentation skills.

The judging panel highlighted the best ideas, including linking the handicraft sector with Cypriot folk tales to create new publications and handmade crafts, developing DIY kits for crafts combined with online construction programs and initiatives to support artisans, and creating a platform and e-shop to connect artisans with professionals in the decoration sector, facilitating the learning of different types of handicrafts.

The awards were presented to the teams by the Mayor of Limassol, Nikos Nikolaidis. The teams were rewarded with experiences from the Cyprus Handicraft Service, performance tickets from the Patticheio Municipal Theatre, and the Rialto Theatre.