The Nicosia Antiracist Festival returns on 27 and 28 March with a free two-day programme of workshops, film screenings, cultural performances and live music at the University of Nicosia.
Organised by Generation for Change CY in partnership with YEU Cyprus, Visual Voices and Generation 2.0 for Rights, Equality & Diversity, the festival brings together local and migrant communities, artists, NGOs and activists to celebrate diversity and take a stand against racism and discrimination.
“It is more important than ever to create spaces where people can come together,” said Etinosa Erevbenagie-Johnbull, co-founder and CEO of Generation for Change CY. “The Nicosia Antiracist Festival aims to bring together communities, activists, artists and organisations to learn from one another, celebrate diversity and collectively affirm that our societies must be built on dignity, equality and solidarity.”
Day one — Education and Dialogue (Friday 27 March, 4pm–8pm)
The first day opens with workshops on LGBTQI access to healthcare (ACCEPT), feminist solidarity against racism (Mediterranean Institute of Gender Studies) and anti-racism in education (Association for Historical Dialogue and Research). Short film screenings and discussions will cover racial discrimination, identity and belonging, and human trafficking, with documentary content from Documentism and STEP UP Stop Slavery. Roundtable discussions with Far Right Watch, Tap Seu Pouh and other organisations will examine Cyprus’s migration history, shifts in public opinion and the legal rights of refugees.
Day two — Culture and Community (Saturday 28 March, 12pm–9pm)
The second day opens with a conference on migration, cultural creativity and integration from 12:30 to 2:30pm, organised by RELATE and featuring speakers from local and European cultural organisations. From 2pm, the university’s open amphitheatre hosts creative workshops for all ages, craft and book stalls, clothing stalls, international food, a children’s corner, art exhibitions and NGO stalls. DJ Andreas provides live music throughout the afternoon.
The cultural programme begins at 3:30pm with spoken word poetry, traditional and contemporary dance, and djembe performances by local artists of migrant backgrounds. Live concerts follow from 5:30pm, with sets by Tatadana, Fuzz Bus, Julio and MC Yinka, rounding off with a community and solidarity party.
Entry is free and open to all.
