In a significant step towards fostering and promoting cultural and historical endeavors, The Cyprus Institute and the Pattichion Municipal Museum of Historical Archives - Center for Limassol Studies, recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony was held on February 6, 2024, in the presence of the Mayor of Limassol and President of the Board of Directors of Pattichion, Mr. Nikos Nicolaides, and CyI President, Prof. Stavros Malas.

 

The primary focus of this MoU is to reinforce the collaboration between the two institutions, particularly emphasizing the exchange of expertise and good practices in areas of common interest. A key aspect of this cooperative effort is directed towards the preservation, digitization, visualization and dissemination of the Pattichion Municipal Museum’s archives and collections. This is an area that will engage CyI’s Science and Technology in Archaeology and Culture Research Center (STARC). Additionally, both institutions will commit to collaborating on the publication of scientific studies and related projects, thereby contributing significantly to the relevant research fields. It is worth noting that The Cyprus Institute, namely STARC and its APAC Labs, and the Pattichion Municipal Museum have already existing and ongoung collaborative activities that have yielded exceptional results in various scientific domains, including education, humanities, cultural heritage, and Greek education in Cyprus. The Institute’s DIOPTRA: The Edmée Leventis Digital Library for Cypriot Culture, has provided the necessary digital platform support for these synergies.

 

Mayor Nikos Nicolaides highlighted the pivotal role The Cyprus Institute will play in the modernization and technological advancement of Pattichion. This collaboration is anticipated to make the intellectual wealth of the institution progressively accessible to a wider audience.

 

Expressing his gratitude, Prof. Stavros Malas, noted that this collaboration will pave the way for numerous scientific partnerships, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and knowledge.

 

Following the addresses by Mr. Nicolaides and Prof. Malas, Dr. Nolly Moyssi, from the Pattichion Municipal Museum – Historical Archive – Research Centre of Limassol, introduced the wealth of its collections and spoke of the existing collaboration with STARC. Assoc. Professor Nikolas Bakirtzis, and, Dr. Avgoustinos Avgousti, offered an overview of STARC and CyI research and outrearch activities and presented the early stages of the digital platform and library under preparation for the use of the Pattichion Municipal Museum.

 

Following the signing ceremony, Prof. Stavros Malas was given a guided tour of the Pattichion premises by the Scientific Director, Mr. Mimis Sofokleous. This included an exploration of an engaging exhibition featuring sketches and caricatures portraying the life and work of the national poet, Vasilis Michaelides. The exhibition, curated by Mr. Aristos Kakoutas, adds a cultural dimension to the collaborative efforts between the two institutions.