28 May 2026 - “Varosha, Ideas, Hope” with French filmmaker Cyril Lafon
On the occasion of the visit of French filmmaker Cyril Lafon to CVAR for his upcoming documentary, the Museum organised an art workshop on the theme of Varosha. The workshop was filmed and will be included in the documentary.
The children learned about the history of Varosha through photographs from the 1960s and the present-day image of the area through recent footage by Cyril Lafon. The presentation of the material provided an opportunity for discussion about the history of the city and the changes that history has brought.
Under the guidance of educator and visual artist Kyriakos Theocharous, the children created a collective artwork, expressing their ideas through painting, full of colour and hope
09 May 2026 - “Dogs at the Museum” - Stefanos Severis
Young and old experienced a unique event dedicated to the relationship between humans and dogs, inside the Museum in the heart of old Nicosia.
Professional dog trainer Stefanos Severis presented basic training principles and useful techniques for a balanced and harmonious coexistence with our four-legged friends. This was followed by a tour of the walled city of Nicosia under the guidance of Emily Christofi, where participants and their dogs explored aspects of local history.
08 May 2026 - “Europe Day 2026”
The Centre of Visual Arts & Research - CVAR - Severis Foundation participated on 8 May 2026 in the celebrations for Europe Day 2026, which took place in Nicosia, outside the Cathedral of Saint Sophia.
Accompanied by Dr Rita Severis, the education officers of CVAR presented a creative educational programme through which visitors had the opportunity to discover the history of the Cyprus Railway through CVAR’s educational programme.
The event marked the 20th anniversary of the EU Aid Programme and included a rich programme of music, presentations, activities for children, stands from European Union member states, and EU-funded projects.
21 March 2026 - “Nicosia Within the Walls” - First Lego League - FLL Cyprus
As part of this year’s First Lego League - FLL Cyprus 2026 – UNEARTHED™, CVAR actively participated in an event that highlighted the creativity and innovation of the “archaeologists of the future”.
CVAR museum educators Kyriakos Theocharous and Emily Christofi delivered the educational programme “Nicosia Within the Walls”, based on works from the Costas and Rita Severis Collection.
The programme focused on the architecture and history of the buildings of the old city of Nicosia. Through an interactive workshop, our young participants approached the city in a creative way, connecting cultural heritage with contemporary ideas and practices.
Warm thanks to Ms Christina Papamiltiadou and the rest of the organisers for the invitation and the excellent collaboration.
07 February 2026 - “A Humble Vraka” with author Eleftherios Ploutarchou
An educational programme during which author Mr Eleftherios Ploutarchou presented his book “A Humble Vraka”.
The presentation was accompanied by theatrical performances which brought the content of the book to life and enhanced the experiential approach to learning, offering participants a more direct and creative experience.
Through discussion, storytelling and theatrical expression, the themes of the work and its cultural dimension were highlighted, creating a meaningful dialogue around history and tradition.
23 December 2025 – “Pinocchio’s Workshop” - Sotiris Sevastiadis
A special programme titled “Pinocchio’s Workshop” as part of the Festive Moments programme. During our visit, we had the opportunity to be at the “Metal Metamorfosis Art” metalworking workshop of the exceptional Mr Sotiris Sevastiadis. Mr Sotiris welcomed us with enthusiasm and guided us through the world of metalworking, revealing to us the secrets of this art that combines imagination with technique. From the story behind each of his works to his personal experiences, it was a true journey into the world of metal and creativity! Afterwards, we created crafts inspired by Mr Sotiris’ works with festive touches.
22 November 2025 – “Make Your Tote Bag” - University of Cyprus Art Club
Young and old friends of the Museum let their imagination be reflected on their own tote bags! Inspired by the Museum’s patterns, symbols and colours, they filled the space with colour, smiles and creative energy.
As part of the “Saturday at the Museum” educational activities, art once again found its way through the hands of the participants, transforming simple fabrics into small works of art. We would like to thank Panayiota Georgiou from the University of Cyprus Art Club for the collaboration.
25 October 2025 – Royal Halloween Adventure at CVAR
CVAR opens its doors to a unique, historically inspired Halloween event for children!
This year, we travelled to the palace of Catherine Cornaro, the last Queen of Cyprus, and brought to life a mysterious Halloween legend of royal proportions! When her crown disappears under mysterious circumstances, the children are called upon to help the Queen herself solve the mystery through an interactive theatrical adventure full of riddles, imagination and creativity!
The programme included a theatrical performance by professional actor Andreas Alkiviadis, mystery and puzzle-solving activities, royal crown-making, Halloween Renaissance-style face painting, and interactive storytelling & creative play in collaboration with facilitator Panayiota Zintili.
16 November 2024 - “The Secret of the Queen” – Story Reading with Author Dimitra Charalambous
On 16 November, a special story reading took place at the CVAR Museum. Author Dimitra Charalambous read her new fairy tale, “The Secret of the Queen”, illustrated by Mike McLoughlin, to the children.
The young participants discovered the stories and adventures of the heroine and learned about the era of kings and knights in Cyprus.
Following the reading, the children took part in an art educational workshop, searching for and drawing elements related to the story of the fairy tale. The experience was met with great enthusiasm by all participants.
15 June 2024 - “Yoga at the Museum” with Varsia Adamou
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, 15 June 2024, the Centre of Visual Arts - CVAR organised Yoga classes with Varsia Adamou.
Two classes were held within the Museum galleries, the first for children and guardians and the second exclusively for adults. Participants experienced a day of relaxation and harmony, surrounded by works of art.
1 June 2024 - “A Single Stroke Left Unfinished” – Ismini Pafiti
On Saturday, 1 June 2024, a journey into the world of education and the past took place through the fairy tale “A Single Stroke Left Unfinished” by Ismini Pafiti.
Author Ismini Pafiti herself narrated her story, a tale that transported children into a world full of adventures and knowledge. Afterwards, the children searched the Museum for objects related to education in earlier times. Through photographs and historical information, they understood how education functioned in Cyprus 100 years ago and became familiar with the clothing, school objects and difficulties faced by students of that era.
25 May 2024 - “Schools, Art Galleries and Museums in Creative Collaboration: Engaging with an Exhibit and Creating Together” - POED
The Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), together with other museums and galleries of Nicosia, participated in the multifaceted educational initiative of the Art Group of POED Nicosia. The initiative concluded with great success on Saturday, 25 May 2025, with an artistic programme, art workshops and an exhibition at the Melina Mercouri Hall. The exhibition was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth.
Warm thanks to Ms Efi Pilava, Chrysalla Pafiti, Maria Hadjioannou, Christiana Matsoukari and Maria Nicolaou for their close collaboration throughout the initiative.
22 April 2024 - BE OPEN - “Voufes and Weavings”
The educational programme “Voufes and Weavings”, designed by the BE OPEN team in collaboration with the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), is a two-day activity that connects tradition, creativity and contemporary entrepreneurship. The programme includes two main sections. In the first, Andreani Panagidi presents her own journey, from exploring her cultural heritage to creating an international fashion brand, highlighting the importance of responsible and sustainable entrepreneurship. In the second section, experienced weaver Elli Philokyprou, with more than twenty years of involvement in the art of weaving, guides participants through a practical workshop. Using portable looms based on traditional Cypriot wooden looms, participants learn the basic techniques of weaving and discover the timeless value of handmade creation. The activities are adapted for students over the age of 12 and fashion and technology students over the age of 16.
17 April 2024 - Dance and Movement Workshop with Emilia Karavioti
CVAR, in collaboration with Emilia Karavioti, presented a series of rhythmic movement workshops designed to strengthen children’s self-confidence and encourage them to express themselves creatively through dance and movement. The children had the opportunity to explore their imagination and discover new forms of expression, inspired by the unique atmosphere and collections of CVAR.
The workshops offered a unique experience of learning and creative expression, combining the art of movement with history and culture, and leaving children with valuable experiences and wonderful memories.
6 April 2024 - “Living Stories” with Peggy Spineli
On Saturday, 6 April 2024, the first educational programme of the “Living Stories” series was implemented at CVAR, where Peggy Spineli read children’s books in an imaginative way, while at the same time visual artist Kyriakos Theocharous created drawings and images together with the children inspired by the content of the books. The books promoted children’s love for their city, its history and its traditions.
23 March 2024 - “Berengaria, an Enigmatic Queen” with Annie Chouri
Actress and storyteller Annie Chouri brought the story of Berengaria to life through a theatrical narration, inviting children to travel back in time and discover one of the most mysterious figures of medieval history.
Through Annie Chouri’s narration and a floor map, the children followed Berengaria’s journey, learned about historical events and actively participated in exploring her route.
Although Berengaria was not Queen of Cyprus, her brief presence on the island was connected to a defining period of Cypriot history. The children discovered the legends, stories and mysteries that continue to surround her name to this day, as well as her connection to the legendary King of England, Richard the Lionheart.
11 November 2023 - “Walk in My Shoes for a While” - Nasia Kellepesi
The Saturday at the Museum programme was based on Alkistis Chalikia’s children’s book “Other People’s Shoes” (Ikaros Publications). It focused on introducing participants to the CVAR Museum’s collection of historical shoes, as well as to the concepts of acceptance, empathy and interculturalism.
Under the guidance of actress Nasia Kellepesi, the shoe was used as a “storyteller” of the past as well as a symbol, based on the expression “to walk in someone else’s shoes”, encouraging children to understand the feelings, actions and experiences of others.
2019-2020 “Hats Travel and Tell Stories” – collaboration with Agios Kassianos and Faneromeni schools
In 2019, a wonderful collaboration began with the Museum’s two neighbouring schools, Agios Kassianos Primary School and Faneromeni Primary School. The idea behind the collaboration was the creation of an evolving project, which would begin with the Museum’s rich collection of hats and expand geographically and socially into other aspects, which the children would explore throughout the school year through an interdisciplinary approach, culminating in a joint exhibition of visual artworks and other creations in June.
Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, the project was not completed as originally planned. Nevertheless, the children exhibited their work within their school premises, while the students of Faneromeni Primary School also used their creations to produce a beautiful calendar.