Bridging the gap between Cyprus and the global art market
The Cypriot art scene is brimming with talent and creativity, yet it often lacks the international recognition it deserves. Kalo Mina, a New York-based platform, is dedicated to changing this by promoting Greek and Cypriot artists to a broader audience. Founded in 2021, Kalo Mina aims to bridge the gap between these local artists and the global art community.
“I founded Kalo Mina with the intention of exposing Greek and Cypriot artists to the diaspora because there are incredible talents in these countries that deserve recognition,” said Dina Savva. She said their inaugural event, held in July, “was a way for us to bring together creatives who might not have otherwise met, and help establish a new appreciation for art in numerous communities and organisations on the island.”
The event featured a communal canvas project called Cyprus Landmarks, celebrating the island’s rich cultural heritage. Attendees, including artists like Nina Morari and Eleni Kireeva, contributed their interpretations of iconic Cypriot landmarks such as Curium and the Kamares Aqueduct. The completed artwork was later donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) in Cyprus.
“The communal canvas activated the event in a way that fostered a sense of collective creativity – something that we believe is vital in maintaining a strong artistic community,” Savva explained. “Being based in Cyprus means living among some of the greatest ancient monuments and discoveries in the world. We wanted to honour this history as well as the newer modern developments in the country. Just as these two worlds coexist in real life, they now live together on the canvas.”
Local artist Morari, known for her minimal one-line prints and ceramics, helped coordinate the event. “The energy at the event was inspiring as artists and art enthusiasts collaborated on the communal canvas. It really fostered a sense of collective creativity.”
The event also served as a networking opportunity for artists, gallery owners and art collectors. “Instead of only scheduling private meetings with artists and visiting exhibitions during our stay, we wanted to get everyone together in one room where we could show our support. With the gathering, we hoped that we could create a welcoming atmosphere for artists and art enthusiasts to network and build connections that could endure way past the event. Based on speaking with some of our guests after that evening, we can say we accomplished this,” Savva said.
The significance of this event extended beyond the art community, highlighting the philanthropic aspect of the platform’s mission. By donating the completed artwork to the Ronald McDonald House Charities in Cyprus, Kalo Mina not only supported a vital organisation but also demonstrated the power of art to support those in need. RMHC works to keep families together during medical treatments. “Some artists have even created a personal connection with the Ronald McDonald House of Charities in Cyprus, which is the organisation we donated the artwork to,” Savva added.
Kalo Mina plans to continue supporting the Cypriot art community with a new series set to be launched called Neighbourhoods, showcasing favourite local spots from creatives across Greece and Cyprus, Savva added.
“This inaugural event and overall visit allowed us to make more personal connections with the artists and creatives living in Cyprus. We got to experience their work up close, speak with gallery owners, visit exhibitions, and more, which are things that we just couldn’t do virtually,” Savva said. “It’s important that we keep the momentum going from this visit. Now, more people in Cyprus know about us, and more of our followers see how diverse and talented the artists living in Cyprus truly are.”
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Savva said, “Events such as the Artist Meet and Greet bring people with shared interests together, which naturally creates a place for open discourse and connection. At the event, we witnessed artists meet each other in person for the first time, even when they might have already been following each other on Instagram, for example. They started to invite one another to upcoming exhibitions and events and worked side-by-side to create cohesive designs on the communal canvas. It was rewarding to know that we established a space for these connections to happen.”