all about us...visitors will be able to observe and enjoy these pictures and artefacts, learn about...
TRANSCRIPT
ALL ABOUT US
T he Centre of Visual Arts & Research (CVAR) is the result of many years of
devoted study and collecting. The Centre contains numerous works of art,
costumes and memorabilia, along with thousands of books and archival material
from all over the world. Even though these were intended to be personal collections,
both Costas and Rita Severis decided that the collections should not be limited to the
confines of their home, since it soon became evident that the story of these objects
was also the story of Cyprus. They portray the island from multiple aspects
- architecture, landscape, religion, monuments and, most significantly, people.
In these depictions, Cypriots are peacefully living, working and co-existing in
hardship and in joy. Costas and Rita decided to share this historical reality with
everybody. Visitors will be able to observe and enjoy these pictures and artefacts,
learn about the development of Cyprus in the past three centuries, the island’s
modern history, without prejudice and bias. At the same time, they will be able to
view different foreign perspectives of the island, and judge how these foreigners’
cultural backgrounds influenced their perceptions.
These thoughts led to the conception of a space to display these collections and
provide a means of accessing, researching and appreciating the material.
The CVAR is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and Cypriot culture
in a holistic sense. It is hoped that the collections will contribute towards building
bridges for the future. To this end, cooperation from our Turkish-Cypriot compatriots
and other communities of the island was sought in the hope that where politics
divide, culture will unite.
We hope that you share the Centre’s vision and the future it aspires to realise.
The Severis Foundation, Costas and Rita hope that you enjoy your visit at the CVAR
and that it can be the start of a lasting partnership with the Centre.
FORWARD BY COSTAS & R I TA SEVER IS
The Centre of Visual Art & Research (CVAR) is the result of a concentrated effort by many people who believed
in the Centre’s mission and have dedicated their time and energy in realising its vision. The Centre started
taking form after Costas and Rita Severis bought an old flourmill at the heart of the walled city of Nicosia, very
near the Green Line, with the prospect of restoring it and turning it into the home of the Costas & Rita Severis
Foundation. In March 2013, generous grants from USAID, the EEA and Norway Grants, De Minimis and the
Costas & Rita Severis Foundation made this vision a reality.
The Foundation’s Board of Directors monitored the progress of the Centre closely, offering advice and help
throughout the process. The Board consists of Costas Z. Severis, President; Rita C. Severis, Executive Director;
Demetrios Michaelides, Professor of Classical Archaeology; Ninos Hadjiroussos, Accountant and Businessman;
Müge S ̧evketoglu, Archaeologist; Gülden Plumer Küçük, Businesswoman and Member of the United Nations
Committee for Missing Persons; Ayla Gürel, Researcher and member of PRIO; Symeon Matsis, Former Director
of the Planning Bureau and former Director-General of various Ministries; and Michael Sarris, Former Minister
of Finance.
Architects Andreas and Zoe Lordos led the restoration of the building with DEPCON Constructions. A team
was formed under the direction of Project Manager Anna Manti, while the Severis Foundation sought expert
advice from abroad to ensure that the Centre fulfilled all necessary environmental standards to host museum
collections. Nine months later, the first staff hires were made, starting with the librarian Theodora Petrou and
her assistant Andri Christodoulou, who have since then been busy cataloguing the book and archive collections.
Theodora is in charge of everything related to the Research Centre and Library and is ready to assist and
respond to requests by researchers, readers and visitors alike.
The Centre of Visual Arts & Research opened its doors in July 2014. Upon arrival, the visitor will first meet
Aliki Yiannakou, the Reception and Gift Shop manager. She will often lead tours of the museum and answer
questions. Aliki also puts a lot of effort into the educational programmes of the CVAR. Stefanos Constantinou is
the Café and Roof Terrace manager. His team includes Kyriacos, who makes a variety of hot and cold beverages,
and Andie, who mixes enticing cocktails. The chef, prepares delicious dishes with a local touch.
A team of volunteers has supported the Centre’s vision and the Severis Foundation is truly grateful for their
help. Volunteers are always welcome and form an integral part of the CVAR, helping the Centre become a more
interactive and interesting experience, with their assistance, ideas and input.
The mission of the Centre of Visual Arts & Research is to promote the culture and history of Cyprus locally and
abroad in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding among the different communities of the island. At the
same time, the CVAR is intended as a forum for research and discussion, and a space in which educational and
cultural events and activities can flourish. Specifically, the Permanent Exhibition, the operation of the Research
Centre and the SHARE initiative (Sharing History, Arts, Research and Education) aim to:
• Encourage young people across Cyprus to learn about the cultural, religious, political and social history of the island.
• Increase understanding and respect of Cyprus’ common cultural heritage across all the communities of the island.
• Provide a platform for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution in Cyprus.
• Promote the importance of the visual and creative arts to young people.
• Present and interpret the work and experiences of international artists visiting the island and their perception of the
people of Cyprus.
E S TA B L I S H I N G T H E C E N T R E
O U R O B J E C T I V E S
OUR SERV ICESEducational programmes are a priority for the CVAR. They target both young children and
students, in groups and individually. Programmes for adults are also available, including
culinary events and art classes. The CVAR is able to host lectures and conferences for up
to 140 people, offering cutting-edge technical support, in the ground-floor exhibition room.
Special events, happenings and exhibitions can also take place in that space. A smaller
room on the third floor can be used for meetings, seminars and workshops for up to 20
people. During the summer, evening events can be hosted in the courtyard and on the roof
terrace. Special events may include corporate and private functions, dinners, receptions or
any other tailor-made programme. The Balthazar Café and Restaurant provides hot and
cold beverages, pastries, lunches, canapés and sumptuous dinners.
At the Centre’s Gift Shop you can find numerous souvenirs related to the collections,
including reproductions of posters from the Colonial period, books on Cyprus, home items
decorated with reproductions of artwork, traditional and modern children’s toys, as well as
home-made marmalades and jams. The gift shop features reproductions of jewellery from
the collections and offers colourful beach towels and striking silk scarves imprinted with
beautiful patterns from the paintings.
1. Third floor conference room
2. Ground floor conference/lecture room
3. Gift Shop
4. Balthazar Café
5. Roof Terrace
1
4 5
2 3
OUR COLLECT IONS The Centre of Visual Arts & Research hosts the Costas and Rita Severis
collections. The Travelling Artists Collection contains more than 1.000 works of art
created by foreign artists during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These works
on Cyprus depict sociological and historical aspects of the island and its people.
Visitors can appreciate and understand the rapport of the various communities of
the island through scenes of everyday life, street scenes and peopled interiors.
Representations of monuments, villages and landscapes enable the viewer to
follow the architectural development of towns and villages. At the same time,
changes in the countryside and the transition from the traditional to the modern
also become apparent. The artwork reflects the attitudes and prejudices of the
artists, as well as their inspirations and influence.
The Costumes Collection comprises of 500 pieces of costumes, clothes, shoes,
hats, bed linen, curtains and embroidery, spanning three centuries. The collection
concentrates on the influence of the East and West on the development of the
local Cypriot dress. The many original costumes of the collection range from
clothing worn by High Commissioners, consuls, and pashas to wedding dresses,
furs and christening robes. The Colonial Collection includes Government House
(1878-1960) memorabilia like guest books, dinner services, and furniture. It also
features cigarette boxes, travel labels, souvenirs, maps, handkerchiefs and
much more.
The Research Collection includes more than 5.000 books on art and travel,
diaries and travelogues to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the Levant. Many old and
rare books, as well as a large number of modern books, particularly reference
books, are available to scholars and researchers. Archival material on many
historical subjects, newspapers (1878-1960), manuscripts and information on
artists, can be found in the Research Centre. The Research Centre also houses
a large number of photographs and films from 1878-1960. Smaller collections
include posters of Cyprus, political cartoons, botanical illustrations, and an
important collection of paintings of the last tragic queen of Cyprus, Caterina
Cornaro. Visitors can also view a rare collection of depictions and memorabilia
from the Cyprus Internment Camps of 1946-49 that provides a unique insight into
that period.
Research Centre
Ground floorexhibition room
CaterinaCornaro
OUR PROMISE
T he Centre of Visual Arts & Research is committed to the promotion
of the culture of Cyprus and intercultural coexistence. We are
determined to work hard and put our heart into achieving our goals. We
believe that, with your encouragement and support, we will succeed and
help our country move forward towards a better future.
LE
OF.
AT
HIN
AS
E K T O R O SP O LY V I O U
ERMOU
FAMAGUSTA GATE
CHRYSALINIOTISSA CHURCH
TAHT-EL-KALE MOSQUE
CHOSTOU
AM
MO
SHOE
FACTORY
ADDRESS:
285 Ermou Steet. 1017, Nicosia, Cyprus
TELEPHONE NUMBERS:
Main Line: +357 22 300 999
Research Centre: +357 22 300 998
Reception: +357 22 300 994
Balthazar Café: +357 22 300 992
Roof Terrace: +357 22 300 993
FAX: +357 22 300 989
EMAIL: [email protected]
FIND US, LIKE US, FOLLOW US:
www.severis.org/cvar
www.severis.org/facebook
www.severis.org/twitter
CENTRE OPENING HOURS:
WINTER: 09:30 - 16:30 CLOSED MONDAY
SUMMER: 09:30 - 16:30 CLOSED SUNDAY
RESEARCH CENTRE: CLOSED SUNDAY
ADMISSION: Adults €5
Admission is free for students & children
ACCESS:
All areas of the CVAR are disabled friendly
FOR GROUP VISITS PLEASE CALL:
+357 22 300 999
KEEP IN TOUCH:
Visit www.severis.org/cvar
and subscribe electronically to receive
information on upcoming exhibitions,
lectures, special events and offers.
SPONSORS
V I S I T I N G T H E C E N T R EThe Centre of Visual Arts & Research, is located on Ermou Street in the heart of the walled city
of Nicosia. From the CVAR’s historic location, visitors can admire the tiled roofs, countless palm
trees, historic churches, mosques and monuments of old Nicosia.