Reg.Nr. HA-2017/CY/04

Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)

In 2014 a private collection, gathered over decades by Costas and Rita Severis, found a home right in the historic centre of the divided Nicosia in an abandoned flour mill converted to a museum: the Centre of Visual Arts & Research (CVAR). Through thousands of paintings, ...
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Project details

Title:Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR)
Entr. year: 2017
Result:Grand Prix
Country: Cyprus
Town: Nicosia
Category type: Awareness-raising
Architect / Proj.leader: Costas & Rita Severis Foundation - Dr Rita C Severis
The Jury's citation: "This is a huge private investment for the good of Cypriot people and the people of Europe. It addresses a wide variety of areas and objects which has its basis in robust research and it has an interesting conservation aspect as the building which houses the museum is found in a symbolic location and was carefully restored. This combined with the important activities and research facilities it provides gives added value to this project”. “The Centre of Visual Arts and Research works enthusiastically to promote a better understanding of Cyprus’ shared heritage which has had tangible results in this bi-communal city and the transparent organisational structure ensures just representation of all community members which encourages a reconciliatory atmosphere”.
Web, Links:

cvar.severis.org/en/

Description:
In 2014 a private collection, gathered over decades by Costas and Rita Severis, found a home right in the historic centre of the divided Nicosia in an abandoned flour mill converted to a museum: the Centre of Visual Arts & Research (CVAR). Through thousands of paintings, costumes, memorabilia, books and photographs, the collection traces the history of Cyprus from the 18th to the mid-20th centuries - a period of peaceful coexistence amongst Cyprus’ communities. Fittingly, the Museum is located by the Green Line, the cease-fire line that cuts across the old part of Nicosia. CVAR's mission is to promote the culture and history of Cyprus both locally and abroad and to become a forum for research, discussion and events related to education and culture, in the framework of reconciliation and understanding among all communities of Cyprus. The renovation was made possible with help from USAID, EEA & Norway Grants, UNDP-ACT and the De Minimis programme. This is a fitting location for the museum as it is a location that for centuries has been the main commercial axis of Nicosia. It was a place for socialising between all citizens and is often mentioned in the travellers’ narratives that are found in the museum. The Centre of Visual Arts and Research is comprised of a museum which spans four floors and houses over 1,500 paintings of Cyprus depicting its Greek and Turkish communities living together in peace, over 500 costumes and textile artefacts and numerous memorabilia. A research centre is found alongside the museum and is home to thousands of books and photographs concerning history, art and travel in Cyprus. In providing a permanent home for their collection, the Costas and Rita Severis Foundation aims to bring the two communities of Cyprus together by increasing awareness of their common heritage and history. The Centre is also dedicated to providing a forum for research and discussion in the framework of reconciliation and understanding among all communities of Cyprus. The Centre aims to demonstrate that for centuries the two communities lived peacefully together, irrespective of religion and culture, thus emphasising what unites rather than what divides the people of Cyprus. This is achieved by organising and hosting a multitude of events such as exhibitions, lectures, seminars and study tours.