CALL FOR PROPOSALS: “Embracing Imperfections”
The newly established Municipality of Kourion, which brings together a region rich in history and culture, is bidding for the prestigious title of the European Capital of Culture 2030. We invite artists, organizations, groups of artists, youth groups, and other creative collectives to submit project proposals to be included in the Municipality's bid book, that embody the philosophy of finding beauty and strength in the process of repair and renewal.
This theme aims to highlight how the processes of repairing the various fractures that we encounter in the history of our place and our communities have the potential to strengthen and enhance our beauty and values. We seek proposals for projects that reflect this concept and incorporate elements of the rich cultural heritage and history of both our region and the wider Eastern Mediterranean.
Call Objectives
Highlighting Resilience and Renewal
Showcase Kourion’s journey of transformation and renewal, emphasizing how past challenges can create a more resilient and vibrant community.
Fostering Unity and Pride
Foster a sense of pride, unity, and resilience among residents, encouraging them to embrace and celebrate their history and imperfections.
Attracting Cultural Tourism
Attract visitors to experience the beauty of a city that celebrates its imperfections as a source of strength and creativity, enhancing the cultural landscape of Kourion area.
Crisis, Opportunity, and Rebirth: A Three-Part Process
Kourion’s bid for the European Capital of Culture title revolves around a three-part process: Crisis, Opportunity, and Rebirth. This framework invite us to think of creative proposals that explore these stages through their work, reflecting the city’s own journey and recent transformation. The merging of nine communities into a unified municipality symbolizes a powerful narrative of joining and gluing together diverse elements to create a stronger, cohesive whole.
We invite proposals that explore and celebrate the theme of "Embracing Imperfections". We envision projects that bring to life the philosophy of finding beauty and strength in the process of repair and renewal, mirroring the recent unification of Kourion’s communities. Below, we provide a guiding framework to inspire your creative process:
Guiding Framework
Embrace Resilience Through Nature
Inspiration: Think of the natural world, where adversity strengthens and shapes life. Consider how trees grow stronger when exposed to the elements.
Context: Just as trees in nature grow stronger and more robust when faced with challenges, so too has Kourion grown through its historical and recent trials, emerging as a unified and resilient community.
Learn and Adapt Like a Scientist
Inspiration: View crises as opportunities for learning and growth. Embrace a mindset where each failure is a step towards improvement and learn something that couldn’t have been achieved otherwise.
Context: Reflect on how scientific experimentation often leads to unexpected discoveries and advancements, similar to how Kourion has learned and adapted through its merging process and historical experiences.
Advocate for Triumph Over Adversity
Inspiration: Craft narratives that turn past challenges into stories of triumph. Advocate for the benefits that come from overcoming difficulties.
Context: Highlight how Kourion’s past adversities have shaped its current strength and unity, much like historical narratives that celebrate resilience and triumph.
Transform Imperfections into Art
Inspiration: Use creativity to turn flaws into features of beauty. Reflect on how art can emerge from pain, capturing the city’s journey of healing and renewal.
Context: Emphasize how Kourion’s historical and recent “imperfections” have been transformed into unique strengths and sources of beauty, much like how artists create beauty from broken pieces.
Share and Mentor Through Reflection
Inspiration: Foster a culture of mentorship and shared experiences. Reflect on and share your "favorite failures" to inspire others.
Context: Encourage participants to share their stories of failure and resilience, drawing parallels to how Kourion has learned from its past and grown stronger through shared experiences and mentorship.
Submission Requirements
Project Description: A description of the proposed project, including how it aligns with the theme and the guiding framework. Explain your inspiration and how your work embodies the philosophy of finding beauty and strength in the process of repair and renewal.
Visuals: Sketches, renderings, or models of the proposed work.
Timeline: A timeline for the project’s implementation.
Budget: A draft budget, including any funding or resources needed.
Selection Criteria
Relevance: How well the project aligns with the theme and guiding framework.
Creativity: The originality and artistic merit of the proposal.
Impact: The potential impact on the community and contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.
Feasibility: The practicality and feasibility of the project within the given timeline and budget.
Submission Deadline
All proposals must be submitted by 31 August 2024.
Contact Information:
We encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or need further details to assist in the development of your proposal.
For more information or to submit your proposal, please contact us at +357 99404723 or by email at info@kourion2030.eu
