The world of civil societies opens its doors to the public*
Packed full of exciting and informative events, workshops, film screenings and much more, the Open Door Festival is encouraging members of the public to come and discover the world of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
“This festival will present the rich tapestry of the Cypriot Civil Society to the public,” said Civic Space project’s team leader, Juliette Remy Sartin at a recent news conference held to mark the start of the Festival. Civic Space is an EU-funded project with the aim of strengthening the role of civil society in the Turkish Cypriot community.
During the month long Festival – running from September 23 to October 24 with the support of Civic Space and the Festival Organisation Committee – around 34 associations, foundations, platforms, initiatives and activists will carry out around 80 events aimed at creating awareness of the work of CSOs.
Many of the events will take place in Nicosia – both north and south of the divide – as well as in Nicosia’s buffer zone and various villages in the north of the island.
“While it is important for Civil Society anywhere in the world to be as open, transparent and accountable to the public, it is also extremely significant for the public to learn about, follow and support the valuable contribution of CSOs to society,” added Sartin.
The Festival will kick off this Friday, September 23, with a Living Library at Selimiye Square, from 5pm to 10pm.
A unique experience, the Living Library will function much like a regular library with books, except that the books are civil society organisation representatives. While the contents of the book will be replaced by a chat with the representative about an activity or topic – ranging from diabetes to sustainability, LGBT rights and entrepreneurship – represented by the society, that the person may be curious about.
Find out more on Civic Space’s Facebook page and website: https://www.facebook.com/civicspacesivilalan/
*Also appeared on the Cyprus Mail website