Cyprus launches Nostos cultural support scheme for occupied communities

The Deputy Ministry of Culture of Cyprus has officially launched "Nostos (2026)," a new support scheme designed to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the island's occupied communities. The program aims to safeguard the cultural identity and historical continuity of these regions by documenting and highlighting local history, customs, architecture, language, and collective experiences.

Applications for the scheme must be submitted exclusively through the electronic platform grants4arts.cy. The submission window opens on August 24, 2026, and remains open until September 14, 2026, at 14:00. The initiative prioritizes the systematic collection of testimonies, digital documentation of cultural resources, and the conservation of historical artifacts that preserve the memory of the occupied areas. Additionally, the scheme supports projects that encourage the participation of displaced persons, facilitate the transfer of traditions to younger generations, and maintain essential ties with their places of origin.

This project represents a targeted effort by the state to combat the loss of cultural assets in regions currently outside government control. By focusing on both tangible and intangible heritage, the Ministry seeks to ensure that the historical narrative of these communities remains a vital part of the nation's collective consciousness.