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Nicosia Pop Up Festival
Published on 11 October 2019
Cyprus
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
During the financial crisis in Cyprus creative actors had been neglected, urban degradation was noted and tourists were experiencing Nicosia's stagnation. Responding to this situation, NiMAC (Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre) took the initiative to mobilize and motivate CCIs. Through the review and redefinition of their role, CCIs would be able to contribute to the growth of a new economic model through the renewing of urban space and the re-mobilization of tourists’ interest.
An average of 30 unexploited shops are being renovated and rented to creative actors in low costs, for 6 weeks. Shops are located within a degraded urban district. Through an open call, NiMAC chooses the most relevant proposals to the 4th content pillars: innovation, trade, culture/arts and education. Additionally, NiMAC has the responsibility of implementing the marketing plan for promoting actors, events and the festival. Also, more than 20 special events are organised hosting cultural and creative shows, exhibitions, installations, open-air music events, lectures and workshops, the festival fosters, grassroots networking, cooperation, interaction, encouragement of synergies and stimulation for innovative and prototype artistic production.
An outstanding example of a CCIs festival that is re-shaping an area’s image and develop Creative Tourism. Creative artists, locals and tourists are interacting and co-producing new forms of cultural products having a sustainable social and economic impact.
An average of 30 unexploited shops are being renovated and rented to creative actors in low costs, for 6 weeks. Shops are located within a degraded urban district. Through an open call, NiMAC chooses the most relevant proposals to the 4th content pillars: innovation, trade, culture/arts and education. Additionally, NiMAC has the responsibility of implementing the marketing plan for promoting actors, events and the festival. Also, more than 20 special events are organised hosting cultural and creative shows, exhibitions, installations, open-air music events, lectures and workshops, the festival fosters, grassroots networking, cooperation, interaction, encouragement of synergies and stimulation for innovative and prototype artistic production.
An outstanding example of a CCIs festival that is re-shaping an area’s image and develop Creative Tourism. Creative artists, locals and tourists are interacting and co-producing new forms of cultural products having a sustainable social and economic impact.
Expert opinion
This is an interesting practice that was initiated in the wake of the 2013 economic crisis. The Creative and Cultural Industry has been identified as an important contributor to the new economic model by renewing urban space and promoting creative tourism.
The festival receives applications from startups, business professionals, young entrepreneurs, art retailers (e.g. art exhibitions, installations, theatre, music, and dance shows and performances), as well as education experts (e.g. workshops, courses, lectures, and other related activities) and craftsmen.
Although the practice began as a 6-week festival it has had a broader impact. The festival is a precursor of the Nicosia’s “Creative Business Quarter” strategic plan and a catalyst for upgrading municipal plans of urban revitalization, enrichment of cultural policies and improvement of urban mobility plans. The Nicosia Municipality has therefore taken a strategic aim to provide yearly investments into developing the space where CCI can flourish while also improving the aesthetics of degraded urban areas.
This practice could be of other policy makers seeking to use the potential of CCI for strengthening the local economy and can be especially interesting in the Covid-19 crisis context. As international tourism will most likely not return to its former volume in the months to come, initiatives such as a CCI festival can increase the attractiveness of a municipality for internal tourism.
The festival receives applications from startups, business professionals, young entrepreneurs, art retailers (e.g. art exhibitions, installations, theatre, music, and dance shows and performances), as well as education experts (e.g. workshops, courses, lectures, and other related activities) and craftsmen.
Although the practice began as a 6-week festival it has had a broader impact. The festival is a precursor of the Nicosia’s “Creative Business Quarter” strategic plan and a catalyst for upgrading municipal plans of urban revitalization, enrichment of cultural policies and improvement of urban mobility plans. The Nicosia Municipality has therefore taken a strategic aim to provide yearly investments into developing the space where CCI can flourish while also improving the aesthetics of degraded urban areas.
This practice could be of other policy makers seeking to use the potential of CCI for strengthening the local economy and can be especially interesting in the Covid-19 crisis context. As international tourism will most likely not return to its former volume in the months to come, initiatives such as a CCI festival can increase the attractiveness of a municipality for internal tourism.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
Pop Up is funded by the Nicosia Municipality with €50000 per year and an additional amount of €20000 is been secured from private sponsorship. In-kind sponsors support the restoration of the shops. Municipality implements logistics, health and security plans utilizing all its available recourses.
Evidence of success
CIs are being considered as a fundamental force of change. Festival accelerates new creative business, stimulates the review of Municipal strategic plans (e.g 30m invest on Nicosia’s Creative Business Quarter, taxes incentives) and policies of the ministry of the interior. At the same time, it cultivates urban consciousness and urban aesthetics. The success of the Festival is also proven by the high level of attendance, as approximately 30.000 – 35.000 thousand people are visiting the festival
Potential for learning or transfer
The “festivalization” of the CIs is a fundamental and efficient way of developing Cultural Creative Tourism. During a festival, creative actors can be gathered together and coherently presented to particular target groups archiving promotion, networking and strengthening of cultural industries which are fundamental priorities for further development of both CCIs and the city. Key success factors are the improvement of corporate sponsorship whilst enhancing strong collaboration with private organisations. Other key success factors include the promotion of cultural and creative production, diversification of activities, and amelioration of accessibility. The festival had been a precursor of the Nicosia’s “Creative Business Quarter” strategic plan and a catalyst for upgrading municipal plans of urban revitalization, enrichment of cultural policies and improvement of urban mobility plans.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
NiMAC Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre, Associated with the Pierides Foundation
Cyprus
Kýpros
Contact
Project Manager