1st Syrian-Cypriot Sculpture Symposium

The 1st Syrian-Cypriot International Sculpture Symposium concluded its activities recently in the city of Nicosia with the participation of five Syrian and three Cypriot sculptors. In an interview with SANA, Director of the Fine Arts Directorate at the Ministry of Culture and head of the Syrian side in the symposium sculptor Aktham Abdelhamid said that participation in joint sculpture symposiums with European counties leaves a cultural thumbprint which will last for thousands of years through the resulting works, presenting the true image of Syria to the European people and changing misconceptions about Syrians formed by western media particularly during the current circumstances. Abdelhamid said that the symposium, held under the title "Creations from the Mediterranean," was a personal initiative without financial backing from the Ministry of Culture, and that the plan is to hold it on annual basis. He pointed out that there are talks with several European countries for establishing Syrian sculpture gardens similar to the one held in Spain, noting that such projects require support from the government for them to expand. Abdelhamid said that one of the Fine Arts Directorate's upcoming projects is a symposium for young Syrian sculptors ages 35 and under, which will kick off on October 5th. He underlined several of the Directorate's projects and initiatives, noting that the lack of financial support limits participation in events abroad and holding large art symposiums in Syria which has a negative impact on cultural dialogue. Abdelhamid noted that Syrian artists gained good reputation through their participation in art events abroad, with sales of Syrian artwork increasing around the world which helps spread knowledge about Syria and Syrian art. He voiced hope in the future of Syrian sculpture and the creative output of young artists, saying that they only need more financial and moral support to unlock their full potential.