Culture must be “open to all”, newly appointed Deputy Culture Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina said on Thursday as she officially took over the portfolio from outgoing deputy minister Vasiliki Kassianidou.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Papaellina thanked President Nikos Christodoulides for his confidence, describing culture as “the foundation of the identity, history and creative perspective of our homeland”.

“Our goal is a culture open to all,” she said remarking that it should “embrace every creator, support artistic expression, highlight our cultural heritage and create opportunities for new generations.”

She thanked Kassianidou for her contribution, saying every effort to strengthen culture and support artists “is a valuable legacy for the future”.

Kassianidou said the deputy ministry had evolved significantly since its establishment in 2023, developing stronger structures, a clear strategy and greater international presence.

She drew attention to progress on the new archaeological museum, the repatriation of hundreds of antiquities and work on legislation governing the status of artists.

“Culture deserves to be at the core of public policy,” Kassianidou said, adding that it should be regarded “not as a luxury, but as a foundation of democracy, social cohesion, education and development.”