Equality and Inclusion WG
In the beginning, this WG has been created to address issues of equality and inclusion, with respect to diverse communities and vulnerable population groups. Through the course of the meetings, new WGs, that focus on specific aspects of equality and inclusion, have been formed and operate under the general “Equality and Inclusion WG”. These sub-groups are the following:
Women WG
Women from different ethnic backgrounds and age groups formed this WG to explore what it means for Larnaka to become a city of care. They work towards the empowerment of the female leadership both in the cultural ecosystem and the public sphere and focus on issues of equality and social justice. The International Womens’ Club of Cyprus, organized the Meraki Fair, celebrating global diversity in Larnaka while showcasing traditional art and crafts.
LGBTQIA+ WG
This group addresses issues such as liquid identities and the rights of everyone to express themselves freely in our Common Ground. Along with ACCEPT Cyprus, a public discussion was added in the launching event of Common Ground, bringing back memories of how Larnaka has been a gay friendly city throughout the years, as the city with the first gay club in Cyprus.
Accessibility WG
The aim of this working group is to ensure the accessibility of all citizens in the cultural and social life of Larnaka, by incorporating accessibility practices into every aspect of our programme. Individuals and local organizations shared expertise, and along with an organization specializing on these issues, Liminal, they collectively shaped our accessibility strategy. Also, with more than 50 volunteers and the organization Ena Emeis, we mapped the accessibility needs of the city centre, presented the results of this mapping to the Mayor and the City Council and asked for specific action. to be taken, in order for the city to become accessible for disabled people. Among the ideas and projects this WG has initiated is the performance Bodies we fall for, the first universally accessible theatre performance in Cyprus as well as the European Disability Festival for Art and Culture Dis.
Digital Nomads WG
Digital Nomads are a new “tribe”; they are people that enjoy a special privilege: they can work from wherever they wish. This is a new and expanding reality that we need to take into consideration when we discuss city development and not only with respect to Larnaka. Throughout history, cities have developed because of the intersection of place of work to the place of residency. Increasingly and for the first time in human history, the place of work and the place of residency become disentangled. This given, what are the criteria according to which these people choose their place of residency? And what are the implications of this new reality for the future of cities? In Larnaka, we have a growing number of digital nomads. Together with them, we are exploring these questions and invite everybody to experience the city through their lenses.