Politis to the Point is proud to announce its sponsorship of the sixth edition of the WIP (Work in Progress) Arts & Technology Festival, organised by the CYENS Centre of Excellence. Running from 16 to 25 October 2026 in Nicosia, the ten-day festival will bring together more than 50 projects and 60 artists from over 15 countries, spanning exhibitions, live performances, workshops and talks at the crossing point of art, science, technology and society.

A festival built around flows

This year's theme, WIP 2026: FLOWS, treats the world as a web of movements both seen and unseen: water and energy, data and ideas, culture and memory, human and collective rhythms. The programme traces how these currents, from environmental pressures across the Mediterranean to the circulation of information through digital networks, shape the way people live, create, connect and adapt.

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The festival is structured around five thematic strands: Water & Environment, Energy & Matter, Data & Networks, Culture & Memory, and Human & Collective Dynamics. True to its name, WIP favours process over product, giving space to experimental and unfinished work alongside completed pieces, and placing artists, researchers, designers and technologists in direct dialogue with the public.

Ten days across Nicosia

The festival opens on Friday, 16 October, with an exhibition launch, live performances and the WIP Opening Party, before activities continue across the city through to the Closing Event on Sunday, 25 October. Further programme highlights and confirmed participant details are expected to be announced closer to the opening date.

An international network of artists and institutions

WIP 2026 draws on an extensive web of academic and cultural partners, reflecting its position as one of Cyprus's most internationally connected creative platforms. Academic and creative collaborators include the University of Cyprus and its Department of Architecture, Frederick University, the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT/TEPAK), the University of Arts Linz / Interface Cultures, the University of Stavanger, Fengaros Festival, ROBO and Pit-to-table.

Embassies and cultural institutes lend their support

Notably, the festival's reach is underpinned by strong diplomatic and cultural backing. The Austrian Embassy, the French Institute and the Embassy of France are among the international partners supporting this year's edition, alongside the Goethe-Institut's Creative Compass Georgia programme. Their involvement, together with partners such as STUDIOTOPIA, Novembre Numérique, Erasmus+ and the European Media Art Platform (EMAP), underscores WIP's standing as a genuinely cross-border cultural exchange rather than a purely local event.

Sponsors and organisers

The 2026 edition is supported by the Deputy Ministry of Culture as Main Sponsor, co-organised with the Nicosia Municipality, and backed by Ernst & Young (EY) as Silver Sponsor. Additional support comes from EOA Nicosia (Nicosia District Local Government Organisation), the Cyprus Animation Association, ASIFA, the National Culture and Arts Foundation (NCAF), the EU, CIKE and NeMe.

Politis to the Point joins this network as a media sponsor for the 2026 edition.

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Details at a glance

Dates: 16–25 October 2026
Location: Nicosia, Cyprus, CYENS Centre of Excellence and selected venues
Website: wip.cyens.org.cy
Instagram: @wipfestival
Opening: Friday, 16 October, exhibition opening, live performances and Opening Party
Closing: Sunday, 25 October, Closing Event

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