The Cyprus Centre of Theatre for Children and Young People – ASSITEJ Cyprus is the national centre of Cyprus within ASSITEJ International, one of the largest international organisations in the field of performing arts for children and young people, with a presence in more than 80 countries. The Centre’s mission is to promote theatre and the performing arts for children and young people in Cyprus, to develop audiences, and to strengthen the connection between the Cypriot artistic community and the international environment. Today, the Centre counts 255 members, including theatres, groups, and individual professionals, and since its establishment in 2021, it has developed an active and multifaceted programme of activities.

Within this framework, it has implemented significant artistic, educational, and socially oriented initiatives, such as the organisation of the Mitsikouri International Festival, hosting the ASSITEJ Small Countries Network in Cyprus, and delivering the ScenoScapes programme for emerging scenographers. At the same time, through initiatives such as “Every Child at the Theatre,” in collaboration with the Cyprus Red Cross and private organisations, the Centre has made a meaningful contribution to improving access to culture for children from vulnerable groups. Projects such as “The Articles,” in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Culture and the Office of the Commissioner for Children’s Rights, as well as workshops with internationally recognised professionals, further strengthen the connection between the arts, education, children’s rights, and contemporary social realities.

At an international level, the Centre actively participates in European and international programmes such as Perform Europe, while its involvement in the large-scale European programme “The Right Time” (Creative Europe), with 14 partners from 13 countries, significantly enhances its position on the European cultural map. The programme focuses on the creation of new works for children aged 0–6 and creates substantial opportunities for Cypriot artists in terms of production, professional development, and international mobility. In parallel, in recent years, six emerging artists from Cyprus have participated, through the Centre, in international ASSITEJ professional development programmes abroad, while two directors, Marios Kakoullis and Eleni Anastasiou, have represented Cyprus in the internationally recognised programme Directors in Theatre for Young Audiences.

The Centre’s international presence is further strengthened through its active participation in ASSITEJ networks, as well as through its representation at major international forums and festivals. The President of the Board, Stavros Stavrou, serves as a member of the Executive Committee of ASSITEJ International, playing an active role in shaping the organisation’s strategy and in communicating with national centres worldwide, thereby strengthening Cyprus’s international presence. At the same time, the Centre systematically invests in advocacy initiatives, informing policymakers and relevant stakeholders about the importance of every child’s participation in cultural life and promoting the role of the arts as a fundamental pillar of social development.

Through the continuous expansion of its activities, the Cyprus Centre of Theatre for Children and Young People – ASSITEJ Cyprus has established itself as a key organisation for the development of the sector in Cyprus, with a strong social impact, a clear international orientation, and a firm commitment to every child’s right to participate in cultural life.