Ethno Cyprus 2016

Ethno Cyprus 2016 was an interregional music project that gathered young musicians from Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for a shared experience of cultural discovery and artistic collaboration. Organised by the Euro-Arab Youth Music Center (EAYMC) in partnership with Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), the Arab Academy of Music, JM Croatia, JM Belgium, AGORA (Egypt), the National Music Conservatory (Jordan), and EPILOGI (Cyprus), the initiative focused on uncovering common cultural roots through traditional music.

The project responded to a broader need to strengthen Arab-European relations through cultural and artistic dialogue, particularly in a time marked by rising intolerance and xenophobia. Rather than approaching this challenge through abstract discussion, Ethno Cyprus 2016 created a space for lived experience — one where music served as a medium for connection, learning, and trust-building among participants.

During the camp, musicians aged 15 to 30 exchanged songs, traditions, and techniques from their respective cultures, learning from one another in a collaborative, non-formal setting. This process not only fostered artistic growth but also encouraged critical reflection on cultural identity and commonality. The friendships and collaborations formed were not limited to the duration of the camp; participants returned to their home communities as informal ambassadors of intercultural understanding, carrying forward the spirit of the experience.

Ethno Cyprus 2016 stands as an example of how artistic engagement can help dismantle stereotypes, promote mobility for marginalised youth, and contribute to long-term dialogue between diverse cultural contexts.