The Home for Cooperation has announced the programme for the 11th Buffer Fringe Performing Arts Festival, which will take place from 2 to 4 October across venues on both sides of divided Nicosia.
The festival will feature local and international artists presenting performances and installations designed to challenge physical and mental barriers and explore new forms of artistic expression.
Organisers said the event will be hosted at the Home for Cooperation, the CYENS Centre of Excellence and Rustem Bookshop, remaining true to its cross-divide character.
All festival activities will be free and open to the public. Registration will be required for a guided walk exploring the relationship between art and activism in Nicosia.
Festival opens with art and activism walk
The programme begins on 2 October with a walk departing from the Home for Cooperation and leading participants through Nicosia's old city across the divide, examining the intersection of art and activism.
The opening day concludes at the CYENS Centre of Excellence with performances of "One Sunday Morning" by Yeva Sai and Matteo Marongiu, and "In Our Bubble(s)" by the Koullou Makka Collective.
Installations and performances take centre stage
On 3 October, festival-goers will be able to visit a series of installations throughout the evening, including "Pinned, Camera Obscura" by Melina Michael, "Threads of Heritage" by Yasemin Kemal and "Witness: Past and Present" by Lüsen Işık.
The performance programme will include "One Sunday Morning", "Don't look at the Dead Cat!", "folkLOL:more", "deep inside.", "Lingo Lingo Şişeler" and "On Anger and Fatigue", followed by a set by DJ Alejjos.
Final day features local productions
The closing day on 4 October will feature "φρούτα ονείρων · rüyadaki meyveler" by Sophie Fetokaki and Rahme Veziroglu, followed by performances by Karakoncoles and x.pno & panayiotis mina. The festival will conclude with a set by DJ Nevss.
Festival rooted in buffer zone dialogue
Launched in 2014 by the Home for Cooperation, Buffer Fringe is Cyprus' only fringe festival and focuses on innovative and interdisciplinary artistic work.
Organisers say the festival explores how art can challenge barriers, foster dialogue and contribute to conflict transformation, while bringing together communities from across Cyprus.
The Home for Cooperation, located in Nicosia's UN buffer zone, was founded in 2011 by the Association for Historical Dialogue and Research and serves as a venue for cultural, educational and artistic activities aimed at promoting dialogue and intercultural understanding.
Source: Home for Cooperation
