CVAR : Preserving Memory. Empowering Youth. Building the Future.
The Hellenic Initiative Canada (THI Canada) is proud to launch its second annual fundraising campaign in support of the Centre for Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) in Cyprus. Following an extraordinary first year, raising over $104,000 CAD, we invite you to join us again in strengthening education, preserving history, and empowering the next generation.
About CVAR
Founded in 2014, the Centre for Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) is a vital institution in Cyprus. It works to promote dialogue with all communities on the island through school programs, workshops, seminars, and lectures designed to foster critical thinking and cultural pride. CVAR is a leading cultural and educational institution in Cyprus dedicated to preserving and sharing the island’s diverse history.
Through its world-class collections, exhibitions, and educational programming, CVAR provides young people with a deeper understanding of Cyprus’ multicultural past, while fostering dialogue, critical thinking, and reconciliation.
Its youth education initiatives reach students and educators across communities, using art and historical archives to promote empathy, awareness, and shared identity.
Our Partnership & First-Year Impact (2025 Campaign)
CVAR Co-Founder Dr. Rita Severis served as Canada’s Honorary Consul to the Republic of Cyprus for 14 years. Throughout her tenure, she actively promoted Canadian political, commercial, and cultural interests. She also provided essential consular services to Canadians, including critical support during major regional evacuations.
In 2014, in collaboration with the High Commission of Canada, Dr. Severis played an important role in organizing events to mark the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the first Canadian peacekeepers in 1964. She is now devoted full-time to CVAR’s mission.
In 2025, The Hellenic Initiative Canada expanded its mission to support impactful programs in Cyprus, launching a landmark campaign in partnership with CVAR.
Together, we achieved something remarkable:
- Raised over $104,000 CAD in support of youth education
- Expanded access to CVAR’s educational programs for students across Cyprus
- Supported the development of new learning materials rooted in art and history
- Enabled programming that promotes cross-cultural understanding and dialogue
- Strengthened a platform for educators to engage students in meaningful, inclusive narratives
This work directly contributes to building a more informed and connected generation: one that understands the past while shaping a better future.
Year Two: Building on Momentum (2026 Campaign)
This year, we aim to build on the success of our inaugural campaign and deepen our impact.
With your support, we will:
- Expand CVAR’s youth education programs to reach even more students
- Enhance digital and in-classroom learning experiences
- Support new exhibitions and educational tools
- Continue promoting the arts and showcasing Cyprus’ history and culture
Our goal is not just to repeat last year’s success, but to grow it.
Preserving the Peacekeeping Legacy
CVAR also plays an important role in sustaining the ongoing Canada–Cyprus relationships. On February 20, 2026, the Mottershead Field Study of Peace and Conflict group, a joint initiative of the Korea Military Academy and the Royal Military College of Canada, visited the museum for an in-depth tour led by Dr. Rita Severis. The visit provided participants with a meaningful exploration of Cyprus’s history and cultural heritage, which concluded with a panel discussion hosted in the Clerides library, on the third floor of CVAR.
From Colin Stewart, Former Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Cyprus
“During my time in Cyprus, one of the things that gave me the most hope for Cyprus was the dedication of many wonderful people in civil society to advancing peace on the island and bringing about a mutually-acceptable resolution to the Cyprus Issue.
CVAR and Rita Severis are one stellar example of this. CVAR addresses a critical need in preserving and displaying artifacts of the common cultural heritage of all of Cyprus’ communities, educating people about a time not so long ago on the island when those communities lived together in harmony.
Reconciliation and mutual understanding are the sine qua non of any sustainable political solution on the island. In an era of rampant misinformation and rigid, one-sided historical narratives, it is crucial to support learning and discussion of the island’s rich and multi-faceted history, especially among youth. CVAR is a precious asset in this regard and makes an invaluable contribution to greater mutual understanding towards lasting peace.”
Why It Matters
By supporting education grounded in history, art, and shared human experience CVAR plays a critical role. The experiences provided to youth through CVAR programs help equip young people to think critically, engage thoughtfully, and build bridges across communities.
This is more than a campaign. It is an investment in education, cultural preservation, and the future of Cyprus.
Funding and Sustainability
As a non-governmental entity, CVAR does not receive funding from the Government of Cyprus and relies entirely on donations to sustain its mission.
With the assistance of The Hellenic Initiative Canada (THIC), efforts are currently underway to elicit support for CVAR from:
- Cypriot diaspora communities worldwide
- Corporate sponsors
- Prospective philanthropic partners
In a significant development, CVAR has been selected to receive renewed support under the EEA Norway Grants program for the 2026–2030 period. This follows previous successful funding (2020–2024) under the “Active Citizens Fund.”
Learn more about EEA Norway Grants at: https://eeagrants.org/en/fmo
Make an Impact Today
Join us in continuing this important work.
Donate today and help shape the future through education and cultural understanding.
Thank You to Our Supporters
To our generous donors, partners, and community:
Your support made this impact possible. Because of you, hundreds of young people gained access to transformative educational experiences that will stay with them for a lifetime.
We are deeply grateful for your belief in this mission and your commitment to creating lasting change. A special “Thank you” to George Mavroudis and Tony Lourakis, who supported our work with CVAR from the very beginning.
Other resources:
CVAR website: https://cvar.severis.org/en/
UN article on Peacekeepers: https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/07/1165489?sfnsn=mo
Help us in our efforts to provide direct crisis relief to the people of Greece.
Support Our Work
The Hellenic Initiative Canada is registered with the Canada Revenue Agency as a registered charity (Reg# 760475491 RR 0001). When you make a donation you will receive an official donation receipt for income tax purposes issued from The Hellenic Initiative Canada.
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