The Cyprus Choreography Platform 2026 is set for a series of revisions after the Deputy Ministry of Culture agreed to amend key aspects of the recently published call, following objections from the island's organised dance community.
The commitments were secured during a meeting between the Deputy Ministry and representatives of Dance House Nicosia, Dance House Limassol and Nea Kinisi who had previously called for the immediate withdrawal of the call, describing it as poorly drafted and containing contradictory and legally questionable provisions.
According to a joint statement, the organisations submitted a letter requesting the withdrawal of the call and raised concerns over provisions they said were problematic, including issues related to personal data protection.
The Deputy Ministry has reportedly committed to publishing a revised call before 12 October, the date initially scheduled for the opening of applications.
Removal of bank statement requirement
One of the most significant changes concerns the removal of the requirement for applicants, including natural persons, to submit bank statements in order to receive the second instalment of grant funding.
Instead, participants will submit invoices and receipts relating to the first payment after their presentation, while the remaining supporting documents will be submitted when the second payment is made. The organisations said this effectively restores the procedure previously in place.
Competitive element dropped
Another major change concerns the competitive character introduced in the new call.
According to the organisations, the Cyprus Choreography Platform will continue to focus on the creation of new choreographic works without limiting artistic expression. The competitive element will be removed, although opportunities for works to be presented abroad may still be maintained, provided artists receive fair remuneration and working conditions.
Participation criteria under review
The three organisations will submit proposals for revising participation criteria to ensure they do not create unnecessary barriers for emerging artists and better reflect the realities of the contemporary dance sector.
Clarifications on applicants and employment
Officials also clarified that applications may be submitted by both natural and legal persons.
Artists who choose to operate as employers will receive legal, accounting and administrative support from the Deputy Ministry, while the option of working through service contracts will remain available.
Calls for greater transparency
The organisations further requested that the names of the mentor and selection committee members be published before the application deadline.
While welcoming the ministry's willingness to make changes, they stressed that meaningful consultation with the professional dance community should become a standard part of any future revisions to the Cyprus Choreography Platform and other cultural funding programmes.
The organisations said they will now await the revised text to assess how the agreed changes are reflected in the final call.
