European Heritage Award / Europa Nostra Award 2023
Printmaker Hambis Tsangaris from Cyprus
The European Commission and Europa Nostra announced the winners of the European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards 2023. Thirty outstanding heritage achievements from 21 countries have been awarded Europe’s top honour in the field. Among this year’s winners is Hambis Tsangaris from Cyprus, who has been awarded for his remarkable achievements in fostering connections and understanding among communities in Cyprus through his work with the intangible heritage of printmaking.
The 30 winners were selected by the Jury, composed of heritage experts from across Europe, upon evaluation by the Selection Committees that are responsible for examining award applications, which this year were submitted by organisations and individuals from 35 European countries.
The winners were celebrated at the European Heritage Awards Ceremony on 28 September in the Palazzo del Cinema in Venice. This prestigious event was honoured with the participation of Cecilia Bartoli, President of Europa Nostra and Margaritis Schinas, Vice-President of the European Commission. During the ceremony, the Grand Prix laureates and the Public Choice Award winner, chosen from among this year’s winners and entitled to receive €10,000 each, were announced. The ceremony was a highlight of the European Cultural Heritage Summit 2023, organised by Europa Nostra with the support of the European Commission, on 27-30 September in the World Heritage City of Venice.
Two decades of showcasing heritage-related excellence in Europe
The European Heritage Awards / Europa Nostra Awards were launched by the European Commission in 2002 and have been run by Europa Nostra ever since. For 21 years, the Awards have been a key tool to recognise and promote the multiple values of cultural and natural heritage for Europe’s society, economy and environment.
The Awards have highlighted and disseminated heritage excellence and best practices in Europe, encouraged the cross-border exchange of knowledge and connected heritage stakeholders in wider networks. The Awards have brought major benefits to the winners, such as greater (inter)national exposure, additional funding and increased visitor numbers. In addition, the Awards have championed a greater care for our shared heritage amongst Europe’s citizens. For additional facts and figures about the Awards, please visit the Awards website.
Hambis Tsangaris, Cyprus
In 1995, the printmaker Hambis Tsangaris established the Hambis School of Printmaking in the Cypriot countryside. Since its inception, he has taught free of charge printmaking classes in homage to his own teacher, the renowned Greek printmaker A. Tassos. These classes serve as a gateway for individuals of all ages and educational backgrounds to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Cypriot folk culture, its captivating myths and cherished traditions. Through the art of printmaking, Hambis Tsangaris and the community of printmakers he has created have effectively safeguarded this invaluable part of Cyprus’ intangible heritage.
The impact of Hambis Tsangaris’ teachings extends far beyond the classroom. Countless teachers and educators have learned from him and, in turn, imparted this knowledge within the Cypriot education system. In 2008, he further expanded the reach of this unique folkloric and artistic heritage by establishing the Hambis Museum of Printmaking in the countryside. Subsequently, in 2019, the Hambis Municipal Museum of Printmaking in Nicosia was inaugurated. These milestones represent Hambis’ relentless pursuit to broaden the horizons of his students and introduce them to diverse cultures through the expressive medium of printmaking, thus fostering intercultural dialogue and preserving cultural diversity.
At the root of his activities is the belief that culture, heritage and art should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. To this end, Hambis Tsangaris has travelled throughout Cyprus, visiting numerous villages, both large and small, in every region, to provide free printmaking lessons to residents and sharing folk traditions in parallel. In this way, he demonstrates that art is a remarkable resource for highlighting and preserving Europe’s shared culture.
Hambis Tsangaris has also played an important role in promoting bicommunal peace and coexistence on the island in several ways. At the museum, he has organised joint exhibitions of painting and printmaking, forging connections between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot artists. He has also facilitated exchange visits to Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot workshops to further foster understanding and the peaceful coexistence of these two communities. An open invitation to Turkish-Cypriot artists to participate in the events of the Printmaking School and the Hambis Printmaking Museum remains extended.
“Hambis Tsangaris is remarkable for his achievements in fostering connections and understanding among communities and cultures in bicommunal Cyprus through his work with heritage. With a passionate and inclusive approach, he has dedicated himself to the transmission of knowledge both locally and internationally, integrating traditional Cypriot storytelling into his efforts. He has reached an impressive number of people, including schoolchildren. His innovative ideas and commitment to art as a medium for delivering meaningful messages is an inspiration to other European citizens”, the Awards’ Jury stated.
“Tsangaris’ international travels and engagement with remote villages reflect his dedication to fostering intercultural relationships in Cyprus and further afield. Through his work, he exemplifies the power of art and education in revitalising diverse aspects of and ensuring continuity with our collective past”, the Jury concluded.