Cyprus has two cultural heritage projects recognised in the European Heritage Awards/Europa Nostra Awards 2026, placing the country in a prominent position ahead of the awards ceremony in Nicosia in May.

The winning projects are “The Cypriot Violinist” and “Sector 2: Nicosia – The Green Line Programme”.

They are among the highest recognitions for cultural heritage in Europe.

This year, 30 winners were selected from 18 countries, out of 261 nominations submitted across 40 European countries.

“The Cypriot Violinist” is not a single performer but a research and documentation project led by ethnomusicologist Dr Nicoletta Demetriou.

It records the life stories of traditional Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians. The project includes a documentary, a book and a free-access website.

Its aim is to preserve oral histories, local dialects and shared musical traditions as part of a common cultural heritage.

The jury praised it for protecting intangible heritage and giving equal visibility to both communities through personal stories and music.

The second winner, Sector 2: Nicosia – The Green Line Programme, was carried out by the Leventis Municipal Museum of Nicosia and is linked to the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre (NiMAC).

The project explores the history of the capital’s divided Green Line through research, exhibitions and public engagement.

It highlights personal testimonies from different communities and presents multiple perspectives on the city’s division.

Organisers said the project aims to encourage reflection, dialogue and a deeper understanding of Nicosia’s complex urban and political history.

The jury praised its inclusive approach and its contribution to civic participation, noting its use of cultural heritage as a tool for reconciliation and awareness.

Both Cypriot projects are now in the running for the 2026 Public Choice Award, which carries a €10,000 prize. Public voting is open online until 12 May.

The awards ceremony will take place on May 28 at the Nicosia municipal theatre, attended by European Commissioner Glenn Micallef and President Nikos Christodoulides.

It forms part of the European Heritage Summit 2026 in Nicosia, themed “Cultural heritage as the soul of Mare Nostrum”.