Cyprus is participating in the first Homo Faber Summit in Venice, taking place from 16 to 18 September 2026, following an invitation from the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship.
The country is represented by Deputy Ministry of Culture Director General Giorgos G. Papageorgiou and Head of the Cyprus Handicraft Service Maria Anaxagora.
Focus on craftsmanship and creative economy
The participation coincides with Homo Faber 2026: An Island of Light, the Michelangelo Foundation’s international event, under the artistic direction and curation of internationally recognised artist and designer Es Devlin.
The event highlights contemporary craftsmanship and the importance of human skills, showcasing work by craftspeople and creators from around the world.
The Homo Faber Summit brings together around 150 invited participants from fields including craftsmanship, design, architecture, culture, the creative economy and entrepreneurship.
Its programme includes discussions and presentations on the future of craftsmanship, creative economy and development, investment in human skills amid increasing automation, and new models of production, collaboration and international promotion.
Linking tradition with contemporary creation
The summit also focuses on craftsmanship excellence and cooperation between craftspeople, designers, architects and businesses.
Other themes include the experience economy, the development of contemporary cultural identities and the links between traditional heritage and contemporary creation.
It will also examine ways in which local cultural heritage can provide a foundation for new creative, production and economic opportunities.
Opportunities for international cooperation
Among the international participants are representatives from the creative, cultural and business sectors, including Eileen Akbaraly, founder and CEO of Made for a Woman in Madagascar; Abdulaziz AlSunusi of Saudi Arabia’s Royal Institute of Traditional Arts; Riccardo Angeloni of Italy’s Museo del Violino; Nuno Barra, Vice President of Vista Alegre in Portugal; Zesty Meyers, co-founder of R & Company in the US; Professor Stefano Micelli of Ca’ Foscari University of Venice; and designer Chahan Minassian.
Cyprus’ participation provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange, international partnerships and stronger links between the Cyprus Handicraft Service and international organisations, creators and institutions in the fields of craftsmanship and design.
It also forms part of the service’s ongoing efforts to place Cypriot craftspeople, master artisans and designers in a broader international environment, creating opportunities for networking, collaboration, promotion and access to international markets.
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