As Cyprus prepares to welcome its first-ever international art fair, the three co-founders behind VIMA hope to revolutionise the art market scene
Art is alive in Cyprus. A quick look at the events calendar or a walk to its numerous galleries is proof of that. Yet the local art world still has a long way to go to be a thriving ecosystem. Artists need state support, funding and international connections. Arriving in just over a week’s time to shake things up is VIMA – a literal step forward for the island’s artistic vision.
A play on words from the Greek vima, meaning step, the first international contemporary art fair in Cyprus will debut in Limassol on May 16 to 18 at The Warehouse by IT. The ‘international’ bit of the festival comes not only from the fact that international galleries from New York, Munich, London, Beirut, Paris and Dubai will participate (27 in total) but also from its three co-founders; Lara Kotreleva, Edgar Gadzhiev and Nadezhda Zinovskaya.
“We want to offer VIMA as a podium,” they say “a step forward for dialogue between the local and international contemporary art community. Vima means exactly that.” All of them come from art management, curating, communications and institutional work backgrounds, and have made Cyprus their new home.
As they got to know the local art scene, the three were inspired to create something to elevate the market. “The idea for VIMA emerged gradually, as a way to contribute to this growing ecosystem – drawing on our international experience while staying attentive to the local context.”
Though still hyper-focused on the Cypriot art scene and reality, VIMA’s intention is to serve the entire region and perhaps this beyond-the-sea mindset is just what Cyprus needs. “In Cyprus, there’s already a strong cultural scene shaped by institutions, independent spaces and artistic initiatives,” they say. “And the galleries were really positive about the arrival of the first contemporary art fair in Cyprus. Our intention with VIMA is to complement this landscape.”
This means the fair is not just about exhibitions and browsing art but talking about the industry, the role of foundations, non-profits and others in Cyprus, coastal art cultures, and building local ecosystems on the global stage. These are some of the public talks and panel discussions coming up at the fair as the first edition focuses greatly on the market aspect of the art world.
“We see the art market as an essential part of any healthy art ecosystem,” explain the co-founders. “It’s the space where connections happen – between galleries and collectors, between artists and new audiences. A well-organised art fair can play a role in making art more visible, more accessible and more integrated into the life of both local and international collectors.”
In Cyprus’ case, the parameters of being an island shapes how its art scene develops, add the co-founders. It can create a strong sense of community but also pose practical and logistic challenges, and a lack of international exposure. Lara, Edgar and Nadezhda though are driven by its location – “it’s at the crossroads of multiple regions which gives it a unique vantage point.”
Can the local art scene grow at the hands of three Russian professionals? The fair’s founders do not hide from the fact that they have dealt with some resistance to foreigners launching the island’s first world art fair.
“We’ve met a bit of caution or curiosity along the way,” they admit, “and that’s completely understandable. It’s part of introducing something new, especially in a place where questions of identity are alive and often sensitive.
“We take this seriously. Building trust takes time, and we’re ready for that. It’s not just a professional task for us – it’s something that helps us listen better, make more thoughtful choices, and grow real relationships as we go.”
They’re not at it alone. The fair’s committee balances local experts with international experience. They include Alexandros Diogenous, founder of Pylon Art & Culture; co-founder of Limassol Art Walks Tasos Stylianou; Andre Zivanari, the founder and director of Point Center for Contemporary Art in Nicosia; and Maria Varnava, a gallerist at Tiwani Contemporary in Lagos and London.
For many of the international galleries it will be the first time they show their artists in Cyprus, for some it will be their first time here at all. This is partly why the fair’s parallel events include happenings in other venues in Limassol and Nicosia too.
Art collectors, artists, industry professionals and the public will have the chance to enjoy local DJ sets from Aparapira Parape and the Afrofox Duo, installation art performances and exhibitions.
“A fair is not just about looking at art, it’s also about spending time in a way that’s inspiring and open.”
The fair’s first edition arrives with high stakes and aims to be a celebration of art, community, curiosity and a sustainable art ecosystem that links Cyprus with the world.
“If VIMA can offer that kind of space,” concludes the founding trio, “professional, warm, and full of possibility – then we’ll feel it’s doing what it’s meant to do.”
VIMA Art Fair
The first international contemporary art fair in Cyprus. May 16-18. The Warehouse by IT Quarter, Limassol. www.vima.art
