The Larnaca 2030 Organization launches into the new year with vigor, unveiling four innovative initiatives that continue to foster co-creation processes with groups and entities within the city. These efforts contribute to the ongoing redefinition of the city, with a focus on achieving its vision by the year 2030.

This February, Larnaca welcomes Lena Kitsopoulou, Greece's most influential contemporary director, writer, and performer with a strong international presence. Kitsopoulou will present "CRY," a work in which she serves as the writer, director, and actor. The play, which debuted at the Saint Gervais Theatre in Geneva in December 2021 and was later showcased at the Art Theatre - Karolos Koun in Athens in January 2022, will have two performances at the Skala Theatre on February 29 and March 1 at 20:30, with subtitles in English and French. 

Additionally, during her stay in Larnaca, Kitsopoulou will meet with local theatre artists to lay the groundwork for a collaborative theatrical production, slated as a future initiative of the Organization.

Another significant program launching in February is "Follow the Music," born from Larnaca 2030’s open consultation with the city's musicians. Through a series of concerts at "secret locations," musicians are invited to illuminate unseen aspects of the city and its province, breathing new life into buildings and forgotten streets. 

Participants will engage in a discovery game, following clues to the "hidden spot" where the musical gatherings will take place. The exact location will be communicated via text message two hours before each concert. This project will span a year, with concerts occurring on the last Friday of each month, starting on February 23. Musical groups interested in participating can apply here.

With the "Larnaca Love Letters" project, Larnaca 2030 encourages all citizens to express their love through writing. The Organization will place 30 boxes in various locations throughout the city and province, inviting people of all ages to write love letters. The number 30 symbolizes the year Larnaca holds the title of European Capital of Culture. 

The boxes, located in local businesses, meeting points, and educational institutions, offer a chance for individuals to express their love to anyone or anything they desire. This initiative, an idea of the online magazine Skala Times and its editor-in-chief Giota Dimitriou, will run throughout February, the most romantic month of the year.

In Christmas 2023, Larnaca 2030 initiated its collaboration with the city's commercial and business community by organizing a Christmas shop window contest for the central commercial district. Participation exceeded expectations, with 60 contestants. 

The Organization's judging panel decided to award three prizes and five commendations, which will be announced and presented at a special ceremony in early February. This contest marks just the beginning of Larnaca 2030's broader collaboration with local shop owners and the commercial sector, with significant synergies planned for the near future.

Collaborating Municipalities:

• Larnaca Municipality
• Aradippou Municipality
• Dromolaxia-Meneou Municipality
• Lefkara Municipality
• Athienou Municipality
• Pyla Community

Sponsors:

• Ocean Basket
• HF Markets
• Sunshadow Investments
• Panikkos Livadiotis Group
• McDonald's

Partners:

• UCLan Cyprus (Academic Partner)
• Ideaseven (Digital Partner)

For more information: [email protected]

Source: Avant Garde