East Cyprus Music Meetings

A new initiative dedicated to learning, knowledge exchange, and strengthening interconnections in Cyprus's music ecosystem launches this autumn in the eastern part of the island, in Larnaca and Famagusta: the East Cyprus Music Meetings. The initiative brings together musicians, songwriters, producers, concert organizers, and other music industry professionals in Famagusta and Larnaca through a series of workshops and discussions about how the music industry functions and its prospects in Cyprus.

The East Cyprus Music Meetings, implemented by Windcraft Loud in collaboration with SCALA Music & Sound Hub and Cyprus Mixtape, is guided by Cemre Arca, an artist, educator, event curator, and founder of Cyprus Mixtape—an initiative connecting and empowering Cypriot musicians—and Maria Kaimaklioti, cultural producer and founder of SCALA Music & Sound Hub, which supports the development and competitiveness of Cyprus's music ecosystem. Drawing on their complementary experience in artist development, cultural production, and community building, they have designed a program that creates opportunities for learning, networking, and knowledge and experience exchange across Cyprus's entire music sector. The initiative was selected under an open call by the Technical Committee on Culture to support artistic collaboration and exchanges between the island's two communities, facilitated by the UN Good Offices Mission in Cyprus, implemented by the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and funded by the European Union.

The East Cyprus Music Meetings, taking place in October and November 2026, highlights the musical life cultivated by communities across Cyprus and which draws strength from their interactions, inviting participants to meet in the eastern part of the island. The program brings them together to exchange knowledge and experiences, contributing to the creation of the shared professional and cultural ground that a resilient Cypriot music scene needs. With participation from professionals from Cyprus and abroad, the discussions focus not on how music is written or performed, but on the practical and often less visible aspects of the music industry: releasing a musical work, accessing funding, international promotion and music showcase events, reaching audiences within and outside the island, and empowering women in the music industry, as well as the needs and future of the island's music community.

After each meeting, participants and the public are invited to open mic sessions and jam sessions, as well as to discover products and works by artists. The program concludes with a closing event in Pyla, which turns attention to the different musical scenes across the island and the stories around how Cypriots find their way into music.

At its core, the East Cyprus Music Meetings is a meeting point for artists, audiences, and the musical scenes that shape the entire island. At the same time, it is an effort toward a more interconnected and sustainable future for Cypriot music, shaped by the island's own music ecosystem.

Information:

• Free admission
• Pre-registration required for each workshop. Car-sharing is available on a first-come, first-served basis through the registration form
• Workshops and sessions will be conducted in English
• No registration required for the closing event, jam sessions, and open mic sessions