On April 10th, 2025, the DEAP project was proudly introduced to the Cypriot community during a dedicated event held at the ‘Saint Barnabas’ School for the Blind in Nicosia, Cyprus. The meeting served as an important step in fostering local engagement, building partnerships, and opening dialogue around inclusive artistic and educational practices for people with visual impairments.
The event gathered a diverse group of participants, including:
- Children, youth, and adults with visual impairments, currently enrolled at the school
- Family members and caregivers
- Artists working with or collaborating with the school
- Teachers, staff, and faculty from Saint Barnabas
- Youth workers and facilitators representing RESET, a Cypriot partner organization in the DEAP project
The gathering created a welcoming and inclusive space for introducing the goals and values of the DEAP project, as well as exploring ways participants could engage with its local and international activities. Coordinators from RESET presented the scope of the project and facilitated an open discussion, where participants could share their needs, experiences, and ideas for future collaboration.
Beyond the formal presentation, the event also provided valuable time for networking and informal exchange, enabling attendees to connect across roles, generations, and lived experiences. Whether artists, family members, or education professionals, all were united by a common vision: creating more inclusive spaces through the arts.
This event marked an important first step in rooting DEAP in the Cypriot context and building a strong, local community of practice that will help guide the project’s direction and impact on the island.
We sincerely thank the Saint Barnabas School for the Blind for their warm hospitality, and all participants for their openness, curiosity, and commitment. We look forward to the creative and collaborative journey ahead!
Stay tuned as DEAP continues to grow across Europe — through ceramics, dance, theatre, and above all, connection.
