Official clarification regarding the exhibition at the Nicosia Municipal Arts Center

The Nicosia Municipal Arts Center (NiMAC) and the Deputy Ministry of Culture have issued clarifications following public controversy over the exhibition 'A Slight Indisposition', which features a work by Turkish-Cypriot artist Emin Çizenel. The piece, titled 'A Lost Moment', was acquired by the Republic of Cyprus for the State Art Collection in 2007 and has been displayed in previous exhibitions without issue. Both the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Nicosia Mayor, Charalambos Prountzos, confirmed that neither the government nor the Municipality had any involvement in the curation or organization of the exhibition. The NiMAC stressed that it maintains full artistic freedom and that the exhibition showcases multiple local and international artists. Mayor Prountzos stated he was unaware of the event and did not attend the opening, emphasizing that the Municipal Council does not approve individual artworks for exhibition. The controversy stems from reports linking the artist to the design of the flag used by the unrecognised 'TRNC'. NiMAC has announced that it will hold an extraordinary meeting to evaluate the situation in response to public concerns.