ASK PAY TRUST –Towards Fair Working Conditions in the Cultural SectorPublic Conference | 10 June 2026
Larnaka 2030, in collaboration with the cultural organisation D6:EU and the European network Culture Action Europe (CAE), is organising the public conference “ASK PAY TRUST – Towards Fair Working Conditions in the Cultural Sector” on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, launching an important dialogue on the present and future of labour conditions in the cultural sector.
The conference will take place at the Allilodidaskaleio of Saint Lazarus in Larnaka, from 9:30 until 18:00, and is addressed to artists, performers, musicians, writers, cultural managers, researchers, cultural NGOs, institutions and policy makers.
At a time when Europe increasingly recognises the central role of culture in democracy, social cohesion and collective wellbeing, the discussion around fair and sustainable working conditions for cultural professionals has become more urgent than ever.
The recent European Commission publication “Culture Compass for Europe 2028–2034” highlights the need for culture to stand at the heart of Europe’s political and social vision. At the same time, European research continues to reveal the difficult realities faced by artists and cultural workers: precarious employment, limited social protection, gender inequalities and insufficient pay.
Cyprus currently stands at a critical turning point. The recent approval of the bill for the establishment of an Artists’ Registry and an Artists’ Associations Registry marks an important first step towards recognising the professional status of artists. This public conference aims to contribute meaningfully to the discussion around the next policy and structural steps that are still needed.
The programme features presentations and discussions with distinguished speakers from Cyprus and across Europe, including Lars Ebert, Secretary General of Culture Action Europe, Rocio Nogales-Muriel from Spain, Katrien Reist–van Gelder from Belgium, alongside representatives of cultural organisations and networks from Cyprus and Ireland. Participants will also have the opportunity to join breakout working groups dedicated to generating policy recommendations.
Culture cannot flourish without dignity, care and trust for the people who create it. ASK PAY TRUST is an invitation to collectively imagine a cultural sector that is fairer, more humane and more open to the future.
Date: Wednesday, 10 June 2026
Time: 09:30 – 18:00
Venue: Allilodidaskaleio of Saint Lazarus, Larnaka
Participation is free of charge. Advance registration is required via:
https://forms.gle/6A9xZee6v7SYtjuo8
Information: info@larnaka2030.eu
Detailed programme of the day
- 09:30 – 10:00
Arrivals and coffee - 10:00 – 10:15
Welcome remarks from D6 and Larnaka 2030
Welcome remarks from the Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Culture - 10:15 – 11:30
Setting the Scene: European and Cypriot Contexts for Fair Working Conditions
Lars Ebert, Secretary General of Culture Action Europe, will present the Culture Compass and the European priorities for fair pay and working conditions in the cultural sector. Contributions from the Cypriot context by Argyro Toumazou, Alexandros Efsthathiou and Yiannis Colakides will focus on the proposed Artists’ Registry Bill and the independent cultural sector in Cyprus.
The session will be followed by an open discussion with the audience.
- 11:30 – 11:45
Coffee Break - 11:45 – 12:45
Learning from International Examples of Good Practice
A discussion on the challenges and efforts involved in establishing fair working conditions through examples from Spain, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Presentations by:
Rocio Nogales-Muriel (Spain) – The legal status of the artist in Spain
Katrien Reist – van Gelder – Fair practice models in Belgium and the Netherlands
The session will be followed by an open discussion with the audience.
- 12:45 – 14:15
Lunch Break - 14:15 – 15:30
International Examples of Advocacy and Collective ActionDiscussion with:
Noel Kelly – Visual Arts Ireland
Evagoras Vanezis – Phytorio
Marina Kakoulli – Dance House Lemesos - 15:30 – 16:00
Coffee Break - 16:00 – 17:00
Speaking to Power – Breakout Discussions - 17:00 – 18:00
Conclusions and Closing Session
Participants will divide into working groups facilitated by members of Culture Action Europe in order to develop policy recommendations.
Presentation of conclusions, feedback and key reflections from the day.
Participating organisations:
● D6 (Cyprus)
D6 is a contemporary arts organisation based in Cyprus that develops international collaborations and cultural rights programmes across Europe and the Middle East.
● Larnaka2030
Larnaka2030 is the organisation responsible for implementing Larnaca’s programme as European Capital of Culture 2030. Within this framework, culture is approached as a tool for social cohesion, participation and urban transformation.
● Culture Action Europe (Belgium)
Culture Action Europe is the largest European network of cultural organisations, artists and cultural policy actors, playing an active role in shaping cultural policy at the European level.
● Phytorio – Association of Visual Artists and Art Theorists
Phytorio is a collective of independent visual artists and art theorists working towards improving the labour and social rights of artists in Cyprus.
● Visual Arts Ireland
The national support organisation for visual artists in Ireland, actively engaged in promoting fair pay and stronger cultural policies. ● Dance House Lemesos & Dance H● Dance House Lemesos & Dance House Lefkosia
Organisations dedicated to the development of contemporary dance and performing arts in Cyprus through artistic programmes, education and international collaborations.
● ASSITEJ Cyprus
The Cyprus centre of ASSITEJ International, promoting theatre and performing arts for children and young people.
● Humart
A Cyprus-based cultural organisation active in cultural production, festivals and international cultural cooperation.