Press Releases

The Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, announces that on the 2^nd of April 2021 the Department of Antiquities will participate once more in the Light it Up Blue worldwide campaign, on the occasion of International Autism Awareness Day, by lighting in blue the Castles of Pafos and Larnaka, as well as the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia. This year too, the aim of this endeavor is to raise social awareness with regards to the difficulties faced by persons in the Autism spectrum and their families, as well as the need for continuous support, education and care.

As part of the celebrations of the International Autism Awareness Day, the Department of Antiquities will also initiate a new activity, titled “Living with the Archaeological Heritage”, aiming at promoting the establishment of a profound relationship between our fellow men and women with disabilities and our archaeological heritage. As the action is based on the belief that our culture and traditions belong to everyone, it will contribute substantially in the inclusion of all citizens in our society and cultural heritage.

For its implementation, the Department of Antiquities has collaborated with all Autism Associations, operating across the island, by sending pictures and material associated with monuments and antiquities, originating from Cyprus and dating to various chronological periods. Thus, children and adults in the Autism spectrum, guided by their educators, were inspired by the variability and traits of our heritage, and with happiness created artworks such as drawings, paintings, and paper and clay crafts. These art pieces, together with photographs documenting the creative process, will be presented online, on the Department of Antiquities’ website and social media, on the 2^nd of April.

It must be underlined that this initiative is in the form of an online activity because of the circumstances currently imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic, and for the need to provide extra protection to these vulnerable members of our society. Yet, this activity still demonstrates that, even within the conditions of a pandemic, we can work on the basis of a vision, which focuses on the inclusion of all our fellow men and women in all aspects of life, as well as on equal participation in public life. It is also highlighted that this activity will in the future include all forms of disabilities, in collaboration with care centres and special education units; it will also focus on in-situ activities in museums, archaeological sites and monuments, so as to encourage a first-hand experience in archaeology.

The Department of Antiquities, through the enthusiastic and lively pictures showcasing the imaginative artwork created by the loving hands of people with Autism as they were inspired by the archaeological heritage and under the blue light of the castles of Pafos and Larnaka and the Cyprus Museum, wishes to transfer the message of solidarity and social change, primarily reflected in the universal values represented by our cultural heritage.

(ΑΤ)