Mediterranean's Emerging Cultural Hub: The formative role of the VIMA Art Fair in Cyprus
In the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus welcomed the inaugural edition of VIMA Art Fair in May 2025. This contemporary art fair, established with a mission to complement the existing cultural scene in Cyprus, aimed to create a professional platform that supports the market side of the equation while fostering dialogue, exchange, and collaboration[1].
The fair's vision was to position Cyprus as a meaningful crossroads and cultural hub for artistic exchange in the region. To achieve this, VIMA Art Fair adopted an intimate and considered approach, inviting 27 galleries to participate, including 10 from Cyprus, and focusing on a strong regional presence[1].
The venue for the fair was a repurposed wine warehouse by the sea in Limassol, chosen for its proximity to the sea and historical significance[1]. This unique setting provided a backdrop for the fair's curatorial project and parallel programme, which highlighted contemporary art in the region and Cyprus's rich cultural heritage.
The fair's selection criteria focused on the Eastern Mediterranean as a shared cultural space, aiming to highlight connections and common challenges across the region[1]. As a result, galleries from Cyprus, the Middle East, the Caucasus, and Greece were featured, with a strong presence of galleries from Cyprus, the Middle East, and the Caucasus[1].
The fair collaborated with a committee of experts, including Alexandros Diogenous, Tasos Stylianou, Maria Varnava, Andre Zivanari, and others, for gallery selection and strategic decisions[1]. This collaboration ensured that the fair reflected the region's diversity and complexity while maintaining a high standard of quality.
VIMA Art Fair received positive feedback for its inaugural edition and is already working on improvements for future editions. The fair offered unique insight into Cyprus's history and culture through its extensive programming, featuring standout works such as Demagogue (2025) by Panos Profitis and Shadow Time (2025) by Jennifer Douzenel[1].
The fair aimed to contribute to the cultural ecosystem beyond the art market by providing an inclusive and accessible platform for dialogue, exchange, and collaboration. By focusing on creating a cultural meeting ground rather than just a marketplace, VIMA Art Fair successfully engaged various audiences, including locals, expats, tech sector professionals, and visitors, and expanded the local collector base[1].
Limassol, with its emergence as a vibrant hub for cultural and commercial activities, was the perfect location for the fair. The fair welcomed galleries and curators from Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, and the Gulf, connecting Cyprus to a broader cultural network[1].
In conclusion, VIMA Art Fair marked a significant step in Cyprus's cultural journey, offering a unique snapshot of the island's contemporary art landscape and the broader Mediterranean region's vibrant art scene within an intimate and engaging experience. The fair's commitment to fostering cultural dialogue, exchange, and collaboration sets it apart as a cultural meeting ground rather than just a marketplace, positioning Cyprus as a site of cultural exchange across the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.
[1] VIMA Art Fair Press Release, 2025.
- The Vima Art Fair, during its inaugural event in 2025, aimed to extend its reach beyond the art market by promoting education and self-development through engaging discussions and collaboration with experts.
- In line with the lifestyle and cultural richness of Cyprus, the fair's programming featured events that combined fashion-and-beauty with food-and-drink, offering visitors a unique blend of cultural experiences.
- As the fair expanded its reach, it also focused on travel, showcasing the beauty of both Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean region, enticing visitors to explore the area's home-and-garden offerings and hidden gems.
