Eastern Mediterranean University Rector’s Office has initiated a project which aims to form an art collection in various branches of art including painting, sculpture, and photography. Entitled “Eastern Mediterranean University Art Collection”, the project aims to collect and protect the art works of Turkish Cypriot artists and contribute to the promotion of productions as such both locally and at an international level. In other words, the project aims to contribute to the promotion of Northern Cyprus worldwide through the medium of arts.
As the first step of the said project, a meeting was held at EMU Rector’s Office at 11:30 a.m. on 2 June 2016. During the said meeting, a collaboration protocol was signed with Turkish Cypriot artist İsmet Tatar, Dr. Arif Albayrak, Gönen Atakol and Zehra Şonya, all of whom are the first contributors to the said collection.
During the meeting, EMU Vice Rector for Administrative and Technical Affairs Prof. Dr. Bekir Özer stated that art is an important field which needs to be supported and developed by universities. Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Bekir Özer also put forth that the management of Eastern Mediterranean University Art Collection will be undertaken by the university’s Center for Cyprus Studies (EMU CCS). In this respect, EMU CCS will be launching exhibitions, organising conferences and talks and producing printed and visual publications promoting artists and their works. Prof. Dr. Özer finally stated that the underlying aim in the initiation of the said project is the foundation of an arts museum in the long term.
Chair of EMU CCS Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı expressed their pride and honor in participating in the project and added that one of the targets of the center will be fulfilled upon the successful completion of the project, which will lead to the formation of a contemporary museum featuring works of prominent artists.
On behalf of the artists, Dr. Albayrak expressed his happiness in participating in a meaningful project as such. Dr. Albayrak also recommended that along with the works of Turkish Cypriot artists, productions of international artists may also appear in the collection. Expressing his hope that EMU sets a sample for other universities, Dr. Albayrak thanked everyone contributing to the project.
During the meeting, artists expressed their pleasure in participating in this important project hosted by Eastern Mediterranean University. After the signing of the protocols, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Özer presented the artists plaques of appreciation for their contributions.