The relevance and impact of this Centre is therefore yet further proof of the merits of public-private partnership and also about the added value of international cooperation, both bilateral and multilateral. USAID, the European Economic Area & Norway Grants, UNDP-ACT and the Minimis programme, run by the Government of Cyprus. And also to thank the important international bodies whose funding has made the creation of the Centre of Visual Arts and Research possible. First of all to the Board members and all supporters of your Foundation. This is, of course, a very fitting occasion to say a big thank you to all of those who have believed in Rita’s and Costa’s vision and who have supported them. How very appropriate to use this very location for the home of the priceless private collection created by Rita and Costas Severis and for a bold and visionary cultural institution dedicated to re-discovering your shared past and for re-building bridges between the communities and citizens of Cyprus. Here, we can feel and touch the wall – not only the tangible one, but also the intangible walls which still remain in the minds of too many inhabitants and their politicians of this beautiful ancient island. As for the location of this building, it could not have been more symbolic: here we find ourselves literally by the Green Line – what a poetic name for such a cruel reality, should we rather not call it “the heart-breaking line” that divides the historic centre and the inhabitants of Nicosia in two parts. It started its life as an Ottoman inn, was subsequently transformed into a flour mill and now it has found new use and meaning as a museum of shared heritage for all Cypriots. The history and the location of this building perfectly underpin the spirit behind the creation of this Centre of Visual Arts and Research. It also seeks to develop and promote creative community projects to build a better future for all. It uses works of art, photographs, books and cultural objects to revive the memory of a long period of peaceful coexistence between different ethnic and religious communities in Cyprus. Welcome to Europa Nostra’s ever-growing family of “Heritage Heroes”! Your awarded project has such a strong symbolic value for Cyprus and for Europe as a whole. Let me therefore start by thanking and congratulating our main hosts – Rita & Costas Severis – who have dedicated a big part of their lives to help the new generation of Cypriots to not only become aware of their rich shared heritage but also to fall in love with this heritage. The significance and the meaning of the Grand Prix given to the Centre of Visual Arts and Research, which we celebrate tonight, is vital not only to the core mission of Europa Nostra but also to the future of Europe. This is a very long name, but in short it means that you have won the highest European Award for public outreach in the field of heritage! Today, we are gathered on this side of the Buffer Zone, for the joyous occasion of celebrating a Grand Prix of the 2017 European Union Prize for Cultural Heritage / Europa Nostra Awards in the category Education, Training and Awareness Raising. The last time that I came to Nicosia was two years ago to honour the exemplary restoration of the Armenian Church located very close to here, on the other side of the Buffer Zone of Nicosia. Because Europa Nostra is at home in Cyprus and because it is always a joy to meet members of our extended family of generous and passionate advocates of Europe’s cultural heritage. Each time that I arrive in Cyprus I feel like I am coming back home.
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