Unique works of art, crafted from ceramic eggs by 30 distinguished Cypriot artists, took centre stage during a magical evening filled with art, inspiration, compassion and giving. The impressive event took place on June 17, 2025 at the Presidential Palace, as part of the “Eggspression” art exhibition, a celebration of creativity and a powerful demonstration of how art can serve as a vehicle for change and social empowerment.

The original idea of the show’s Curator, Collector and XeniArtSpace Founder Xenia Kulbachevskaya, was to use the egg as a symbol of life, of beginnings, of fragility and strength as a form for every artist to express his or her story. Beyond facilitating artistic expression and support for 30 participating artists, Kulbachevskaya also wished to add a charitable dimension by supporting Sophia for Children.

In a space filled with symbolism and aesthetic elegance, the ceramic eggs were transformed into symbols of hope and unity. The exhibition was a tribute to both art and social sensitivity toward children and local communities, bringing together artists, the public and institutional representatives under a shared vision.

Held under the auspices of President Nikos Christodoulides and First Lady Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides, Eggspression was an initiative of XeniaArtSpace Gallery and Sophia For Children, aiming to support the “Cook and Offer” programme. The initiative by XeniArtSpace raised more than €110,000 for the Sophia for Children programme.

The programme stands as a model of social responsibility in Cypriot society, providing daily warm, nutritious meals to children in economically vulnerable areas, while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for mothers and residents of local communities.

The exhibition filled the Presidential Palace with colour, imagination and deep emotion, as artists transformed the ceramic eggs into symbols and messages of solidarity and love for children, who represent the hope and future of our country. Each piece, unique and emotionally charged, found its place thanks to the valuable support of companies and individuals who, through sponsorships and the acquisition of artworks, embraced the vision and contributed meaningfully to the strengthening of the “Cook and Offer” scheme.

Messages of love and giving

In her address, First Lady Karsera-Christodoulides noted that Eggspression is a pioneering initiative in support of a noble cause with a positive impact both on local communities and broader Cypriot society.

The event, pointed out the First Lady, brought together two strategic pillars that the Presidency and Government consider of utmost importance for the future of Cyprus: culture and the care of children.

Xenia Kulbachevskaya, Founder of XeniaArtSpace Gallery, warmly thanked guests and participating artists for supporting this important cause, as well as event sponsors for their great generosity. What began as an artistic idea inside the gallery, Kulbachevskaya underlined, soon grew into a vibrant exhibition, uniting established and emerging talents around one shared creative language. Wishing to give the project a deeper social impact, Kulbachevskaya invited Marina Shacola and Sophia for Children to join forces for a better tomorrow for the children.

Marina Shacola, Chairwoman of Sophia for Children, expressed her gratitude, noting that everyone present at the event was now part of the Sophia for Children family, supporting the rights of children for a better tomorrow. The purpose of the event, said Shacola, was to fight for and support every child’s right to education, health and nutrition.

Following the exhibition, guests were welcomed to the Presidential Palace’s amphitheatre for a Gala Dinner, where they learned more about the important work of Sophia for Children. The evening was complemented by a live performance from internationally -acclaimed Greek artist, George Perris.

Finstella LTD: Social Responsibility initiatives with long-term impact

The event was proudly supported by Finstella LTD, a modern, fully licensed Credit Acquiring Company in Cyprus, operating with complete transparency and managing only its own portfolio. The company is committed to acting responsibly for the benefit of its shareholders and society as a whole.

Although not operationally related to the former RCB, Finstella LTD adopts positive values and practices of corporate social responsibility (CSR) that were previously evident in RCB’s community and business initiatives. Today, the company’s strategy focuses on impactful ESG actions (Environmental, Social and Governance), supporting local communities and children through high-impact collaborations.

By participating in the exhibition, Finstella LTD reinforced its mission of socially conscious financial responsibility, contributing actively to initiatives that touch the hearts and lives of people.