South Aegean Region Supports Syros Bid For 2021 European Capital of Culture Title

Syros, Cyclades

Region of South Aegean Vice Governor Eleftheria Ftaklaki (right) with representatives from the Cyclades Cultural Network FORUM20.21.

The Region of the South Aegean and the Cyclades Cultural Network FORUM20.21 have launched a three-year cooperation aiming for the Greek island of Syros to be named European Capital of Culture for 2021.

In a meeting held on 6 February, both sides decided on initial actions to support the Syros-Cyclades 2021 bid.

The Region of the South Aegean has agreed to promote Syros’ bid in all scheduled international tourism exhibitions and support cultural events that will enhance the promotion of the island and the Cyclades on a European and international level.

It was decided that the cultural events of the FORUM20.21 network would be included in the long-term development strategy of the Region of the South Aegean.

Also, both sides will embrace proposed projects made by other municipalities of the Cyclades island group that can support the Syros-Cyclades 2021 bid. Funding for their implementation will be secured through Operational Programs 2014-2020 or other European programs.

European Capital of Culture

The European Capital of Culture institution was founded in 1985 by former actress and then-Greek Culture Minister Melina Mercouri. On the Greek side, Athens, Thessaloniki and Patra have served as European Capital of Culture in 1985, 1997 and 2006 respectively.