ALL ABOUT US

T he Centre of Visual Arts & Research (CVAR) is the result of many years of

devoted study and collecting. The Centre contains numerous works of art,

costumes and memorabilia, along with thousands of books and archival material

from all over the world. Even though these were intended to be personal collections,

both Costas and Rita Severis decided that the collections should not be limited to the

confines of their home, since it soon became evident that the story of these objects

was also the story of Cyprus. They portray the island from multiple aspects

- architecture, landscape, religion, monuments and, most significantly, people.

In these depictions, Cypriots are peacefully living, working and co-existing in

hardship and in joy. Costas and Rita decided to share this historical reality with

everybody. Visitors will be able to observe and enjoy these pictures and artefacts,

learn about the development of Cyprus in the past three centuries, the island’s

modern history, without prejudice and bias. At the same time, they will be able to

view different foreign perspectives of the island, and judge how these foreigners’

cultural backgrounds influenced their perceptions.

These thoughts led to the conception of a space to display these collections and

provide a means of accessing, researching and appreciating the material.

The CVAR is dedicated to the promotion of peaceful coexistence and Cypriot culture

in a holistic sense. It is hoped that the collections will contribute towards building

bridges for the future. To this end, cooperation from our Turkish-Cypriot compatriots

and other communities of the island was sought in the hope that where politics

divide, culture will unite.

We hope that you share the Centre’s vision and the future it aspires to realise.

The Severis Foundation, Costas and Rita hope that you enjoy your visit at the CVAR

and that it can be the start of a lasting partnership with the Centre.

FORWARD BY COSTAS & R I TA SEVER IS

The Centre of Visual Art & Research (CVAR) is the result of a concentrated effort by many people who believed

in the Centre’s mission and have dedicated their time and energy in realising its vision. The Centre started

taking form after Costas and Rita Severis bought an old flourmill at the heart of the walled city of Nicosia, very

near the Green Line, with the prospect of restoring it and turning it into the home of the Costas & Rita Severis

Foundation. In March 2013, generous grants from USAID, the EEA and Norway Grants, De Minimis and the

Costas & Rita Severis Foundation made this vision a reality.

The Foundation’s Board of Directors monitored the progress of the Centre closely, offering advice and help

throughout the process. The Board consists of Costas Z. Severis, President; Rita C. Severis, Executive Director;

Demetrios Michaelides, Professor of Classical Archaeology; Ninos Hadjiroussos, Accountant and Businessman;

Müge S ̧evketoglu, Archaeologist; Gülden Plumer Küçük, Businesswoman and Member of the United Nations

Committee for Missing Persons; Ayla Gürel, Researcher and member of PRIO; Symeon Matsis, Former Director

of the Planning Bureau and former Director-General of various Ministries; and Michael Sarris, Former Minister

of Finance.

Architects Andreas and Zoe Lordos led the restoration of the building with DEPCON Constructions. A team

was formed under the direction of Project Manager Anna Manti, while the Severis Foundation sought expert

advice from abroad to ensure that the Centre fulfilled all necessary environmental standards to host museum

collections. Nine months later, the first staff hires were made, starting with the librarian Theodora Petrou and

her assistant Andri Christodoulou, who have since then been busy cataloguing the book and archive collections.

Theodora is in charge of everything related to the Research Centre and Library and is ready to assist and

respond to requests by researchers, readers and visitors alike.

The Centre of Visual Arts & Research opened its doors in July 2014. Upon arrival, the visitor will first meet

Aliki Yiannakou, the Reception and Gift Shop manager. She will often lead tours of the museum and answer

questions. Aliki also puts a lot of effort into the educational programmes of the CVAR. Stefanos Constantinou is

the Café and Roof Terrace manager. His team includes Kyriacos, who makes a variety of hot and cold beverages,

and Andie, who mixes enticing cocktails. The chef, prepares delicious dishes with a local touch.

A team of volunteers has supported the Centre’s vision and the Severis Foundation is truly grateful for their

help. Volunteers are always welcome and form an integral part of the CVAR, helping the Centre become a more

interactive and interesting experience, with their assistance, ideas and input.

The mission of the Centre of Visual Arts & Research is to promote the culture and history of Cyprus locally and

abroad in a spirit of reconciliation and understanding among the different communities of the island. At the

same time, the CVAR is intended as a forum for research and discussion, and a space in which educational and

cultural events and activities can flourish. Specifically, the Permanent Exhibition, the operation of the Research

Centre and the SHARE initiative (Sharing History, Arts, Research and Education) aim to:

• Encourage young people across Cyprus to learn about the cultural, religious, political and social history of the island.

• Increase understanding and respect of Cyprus’ common cultural heritage across all the communities of the island.

• Provide a platform for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution in Cyprus.

• Promote the importance of the visual and creative arts to young people.

• Present and interpret the work and experiences of international artists visiting the island and their perception of the

people of Cyprus.

E S TA B L I S H I N G T H E C E N T R E

O U R O B J E C T I V E S

OUR SERV ICESEducational programmes are a priority for the CVAR. They target both young children and

students, in groups and individually. Programmes for adults are also available, including

culinary events and art classes. The CVAR is able to host lectures and conferences for up

to 140 people, offering cutting-edge technical support, in the ground-floor exhibition room.

Special events, happenings and exhibitions can also take place in that space. A smaller

room on the third floor can be used for meetings, seminars and workshops for up to 20

people. During the summer, evening events can be hosted in the courtyard and on the roof

terrace. Special events may include corporate and private functions, dinners, receptions or

any other tailor-made programme. The Balthazar Café and Restaurant provides hot and

cold beverages, pastries, lunches, canapés and sumptuous dinners.

At the Centre’s Gift Shop you can find numerous souvenirs related to the collections,

including reproductions of posters from the Colonial period, books on Cyprus, home items

decorated with reproductions of artwork, traditional and modern children’s toys, as well as

home-made marmalades and jams. The gift shop features reproductions of jewellery from

the collections and offers colourful beach towels and striking silk scarves imprinted with

beautiful patterns from the paintings.

1. Third floor conference room

2. Ground floor conference/lecture room

3. Gift Shop

4. Balthazar Café

5. Roof Terrace

1

4 5

2 3

OUR COLLECT IONS The Centre of Visual Arts & Research hosts the Costas and Rita Severis

collections. The Travelling Artists Collection contains more than 1.000 works of art

created by foreign artists during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. These works

on Cyprus depict sociological and historical aspects of the island and its people.

Visitors can appreciate and understand the rapport of the various communities of

the island through scenes of everyday life, street scenes and peopled interiors.

Representations of monuments, villages and landscapes enable the viewer to

follow the architectural development of towns and villages. At the same time,

changes in the countryside and the transition from the traditional to the modern

also become apparent. The artwork reflects the attitudes and prejudices of the

artists, as well as their inspirations and influence.

The Costumes Collection comprises of 500 pieces of costumes, clothes, shoes,

hats, bed linen, curtains and embroidery, spanning three centuries. The collection

concentrates on the influence of the East and West on the development of the

local Cypriot dress. The many original costumes of the collection range from

clothing worn by High Commissioners, consuls, and pashas to wedding dresses,

furs and christening robes. The Colonial Collection includes Government House

(1878-1960) memorabilia like guest books, dinner services, and furniture. It also

features cigarette boxes, travel labels, souvenirs, maps, handkerchiefs and

much more.

The Research Collection includes more than 5.000 books on art and travel,

diaries and travelogues to Cyprus, Greece, Turkey and the Levant. Many old and

rare books, as well as a large number of modern books, particularly reference

books, are available to scholars and researchers. Archival material on many

historical subjects, newspapers (1878-1960), manuscripts and information on

artists, can be found in the Research Centre. The Research Centre also houses

a large number of photographs and films from 1878-1960. Smaller collections

include posters of Cyprus, political cartoons, botanical illustrations, and an

important collection of paintings of the last tragic queen of Cyprus, Caterina

Cornaro. Visitors can also view a rare collection of depictions and memorabilia

from the Cyprus Internment Camps of 1946-49 that provides a unique insight into

that period.

Research Centre

Ground floorexhibition room

CaterinaCornaro

OUR PROMISE

T he Centre of Visual Arts & Research is committed to the promotion

of the culture of Cyprus and intercultural coexistence. We are

determined to work hard and put our heart into achieving our goals. We

believe that, with your encouragement and support, we will succeed and

help our country move forward towards a better future.

LE

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CHRYSALINIOTISSA CHURCH

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FACTORY

ADDRESS:

285 Ermou Steet. 1017, Nicosia, Cyprus

TELEPHONE NUMBERS:

Main Line: +357 22 300 999

Research Centre: +357 22 300 998

Reception: +357 22 300 994

Balthazar Café: +357 22 300 992

Roof Terrace: +357 22 300 993

FAX: +357 22 300 989

EMAIL: info@severis.org

FIND US, LIKE US, FOLLOW US:

www.severis.org/cvar

www.severis.org/facebook

www.severis.org/twitter

CENTRE OPENING HOURS:

WINTER: 09:30 - 16:30 CLOSED MONDAY

SUMMER: 09:30 - 16:30 CLOSED SUNDAY

RESEARCH CENTRE: CLOSED SUNDAY

ADMISSION: Adults €5

Admission is free for students & children

ACCESS:

All areas of the CVAR are disabled friendly

FOR GROUP VISITS PLEASE CALL:

+357 22 300 999

KEEP IN TOUCH:

Visit www.severis.org/cvar

and subscribe electronically to receive

information on upcoming exhibitions,

lectures, special events and offers.

SPONSORS

V I S I T I N G T H E C E N T R EThe Centre of Visual Arts & Research, is located on Ermou Street in the heart of the walled city

of Nicosia. From the CVAR’s historic location, visitors can admire the tiled roofs, countless palm

trees, historic churches, mosques and monuments of old Nicosia.