East Cyprus Music Meetings, a new initiative dedicated to learning, collaboration and professional development within Cyprus' music sector, is set to launch this autumn with a programme of free events across the island's eastern region.
Bringing together musicians, songwriters, producers, promoters and other industry professionals, the initiative aims to strengthen connections within Cyprus' music ecosystem while encouraging exchange between communities across the island.
Powered by Windcraft Loud, in collaboration with SCALA Music & Sound Hub and Cyprus Mixtape, the programme is led by Cemre Arca, founder of Cyprus Mixtape, and Maria Kaimaklioti, founder of SCALA Music & Sound Hub.
The initiative was selected through the Technical Committee on Culture's open call supporting artistic collaboration and exchange between the island's two communities, facilitated by the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the European Union.
Focus on the music industry
The programme explores the practical realities of building a career in music, with discussions covering copyright, funding opportunities, music releases, international showcases, audience development and the future of Cyprus' music sector.
Following each session, participants and members of the public will be invited to attend open stages, jam sessions and artist merchandise markets.
Programme highlights
18 October | Opening Event: Music Meeting
18:00-23:30 | Mağusa Kale Pasajı, Famagusta
Networking event, jam session and merchandise market.
25 October | Music Copyright Explained
11:30-13:00 | EVOHK artist-run space, Larnaca
An introduction to music copyright, royalties and rights management with Chris Cooke of CMU UK.
25 October | Jazz & Folk-Fusion Music Routes
15:00-16:30 | EVOHK artist-run space, Larnaca
Discussion on jazz and world music scenes, showcases, festivals and PR with Cemre Arca, Maria Kaimaklioti, Nela Peshovska and Ziad Fayed.
25 October | Lefkosia Modular Sessions: Modular Synthesis & Performance
17:30-20:00 | EVOHK artist-run space, Larnaca
Hands-on workshop exploring sound design and modular synthesis with Atesh Kozal and Hadj (Play All Day).
20:00-23:30: Jam session and merchandise market.
8 November | Funding for Artists
15:45-18:00 | Mağusa Kale Pasajı, Famagusta
Workshop examining funding opportunities and application processes with Maria Kaimaklioti and Ziad Fayed.
8 November | Five Ways to Release Music
18:30-21:00 | Mağusa Kale Pasajı, Famagusta
Artist manager Henry Walton leads a workshop on music release strategies, followed by a discussion featuring Cahit Kutrafali, Kyriacos Frangoulis (Stonus), Maria Kaimaklioti and Sevgi Başar.
21:00-23:30: Jam session and merchandise market.
22 November | Women in the Music Industry
18:30-21:00 | EVOHK artist-run space, Larnaca
Workshop on PR and press releases followed by a panel discussion on women's experiences in Cyprus' music industry with Christina Hazboun, Cemre Arca and Mikaela Tsangari.
21:00-23:30: Jam session and merchandise market.
28 November | Closing Event: Growing Up in Cyprus' Recent Music Scenes
18:30-23:00 | UNFICYP Intercommunal Space, Pyla/Pile
An exhibition and panel discussion exploring Cyprus' contemporary music scenes. The discussion will be moderated by Mike Hajimichael (Haji Mike) and feature Inal Bilsel, Hayat Sebep and Tasos Lamnisos (x.ypno).
Registration
Admission to all events is free, although advance registration is required for each workshop. Car-sharing will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through the registration process. All workshops and discussions will be conducted in English.
For information and registration, visit East Cyprus Music Meetings. For more information visit Windcraft Loud or contact info@scalasoundhub.com and cyprusmixtape@gmail.com.
