NiMAC is housed in the renovated building of the Old Powerhouse, located in the historical centre of Nicosia, after an agreement between the Electricity Authority of Cyprus and the Nicosia Municipality.
The institution operates in association with the Pierides Foundation and serves as the oldest and largest contemporary art center on the island. The building is in itself a fine example of industrial architecture, and was recognized with the Europa Nostra award in 1994 following its restoration.
The power station once supplied electricity to Nicosia, and its transformation into a cultural venue demonstrates successful adaptive reuse of industrial heritage. The complex includes multiple exhibition halls, an educational center for children, and the Demetrios Z. Pierides History of Art Library. Since 2017, the OPAP City Theatre has operated in another renovated industrial building within the complex, promoting experimentation in both performance and visual arts.
From Power Plant to Cultural Hub
On January 14, 1994, the Arts Centre opened its doors for the first time to the art lovers of the capital. Mayor Lellos Demetriades and Demetris Z. Pierides, President of the Pierides Foundation, welcomed the public in the presence of former President Glafkos Clerides to the first major thematic exhibition entitled The Tree: Source of Inspiration, Cause of Creation.
The conversion of the Old Powerhouse into an arts center marked a significant moment in Cyprus’s cultural development. The industrial architecture retained its original character while gaining new purpose as a space for artistic expression.
The Europa Nostra award validated the quality of the restoration work and highlighted the project as a model for preserving industrial heritage. The building’s large open spaces, high ceilings, and industrial aesthetic proved ideal for displaying contemporary art that often requires unconventional exhibition formats.
Thirty Years of Exhibitions
During its thirty years of operation, the Nicosia Arts Centre has organized and presented more than a hundred exhibitions of modern and contemporary art with the participation of well-known artists from Cyprus and abroad.
Many exhibitions were organized in collaboration with museums, art centers, and cultural institutions from European and other countries. The institution has showcased diverse artistic practices, including painting, sculpture, installation, video art, photography, and performance. Major retrospectives have honored important Cypriot artists like Glyn Hughes (1931-2014) and Christoforos Savva. International group exhibitions like “The Liquid Continent” brought together artists from Greece, Israel, Egypt, and Cyprus.
Thematic shows have addressed memory, identity, colonial history, and contested narratives. The center has presented work by more than twenty-three artists from eleven countries in Southeastern Europe. Recent exhibitions include “Manifestations: Views of the otherworldly in painting and drawing” and “Repetitive Acts: The Power of Weaving and Textile in Contemporary Art.”
Educational Programs and Community Outreach
The Educational Centre for Children, which is housed in a renovated building of the Old Powerhouse complex and was inaugurated in 2008, offers children and youngsters specialized courses and workshops in Contemporary Art, Engraving, Cinema and the New Media.
These programs run throughout the year and are designed by specialists to enhance specific exhibitions. Saturday workshops allow children aged 4 to 7 years and older groups to engage with artistic practices in hands-on formats.
Educational tours introduce school groups to contemporary art concepts and techniques. The center also hosts international conferences, round table discussions, screenings, lectures, and presentations with art professionals from Cyprus and abroad.
In 2024, NiMAC hosted the 7th International Conference on Photography and Theory and presented the photobook exhibition “Bound Traces.” Cultural events include the Cyprus LGBTQIA+ Film Festival (Queer Wave), which in 2024 ran for ten days with twenty screenings and over fifty Cyprus premieres.
Artist Residencies and Open Calls
Since 2012, the Centre has been operating a Residency Programme for artists, scholars, and cultural managers annual collaborations are established with institutions such as the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom.
The residency program provides visiting artists with studio space, accommodation, and support for developing new work in Cyprus. The Open Call program offers Cypriot artists opportunities to execute large-scale installations or conduct research in experimental projects.
Project Room provides a dedicated space for emerging artists to present innovative work. These initiatives foster creative exchange between local and international artists while supporting the development of contemporary art practice in Cyprus. The programs have produced exhibitions like “Seeking Roots,” which invited young artists up to 30 years old to explore Cypriot identity through traditional craft techniques combined with modern materials and conceptual ideas.
The Art History Library
The building complex of NiMAC also houses the Demetrios Z. Pierides History of Art Library that features an extensive collection of books and rare art publications, such as the full series of Cahiers d’Art, Minotaure, and Flash Art.
The library serves as a research resource for artists, students, scholars, and the general public. The collection includes monographs on significant historical and contemporary artists, catalogs from major international exhibitions, and theoretical texts on art history and contemporary practice.
Since 2014, a Reading Room has been established in the exhibition space with publications related to NiMAC’s exhibitions. The library provides access to rare materials that would otherwise be unavailable in Cyprus. Researchers can examine complete runs of influential art journals that documented key moments in 20th century art history. The library demonstrates the institution’s commitment to supporting serious engagement with visual culture beyond temporary exhibitions.
Current Role in Cultural Life
NiMAC operates as a bridge between Cyprus and international art communities. The institution introduces Cypriot audiences to new trends, tendencies, and ideas in contemporary art and culture.
It provides opportunities for Cypriot artists to collaborate with counterparts from other countries and gain international exposure. The center participates in major European cultural programs and networks. Educational initiatives target diverse audiences including artists, art professionals, academics, students, tourists, and the wider public.
The café and outdoor spaces create gathering places for cultural exchange beyond formal exhibitions. The institution has established itself as the primary venue in Cyprus for experimental, challenging, and conceptually rigorous contemporary art. By maintaining high standards for exhibitions and programs while remaining accessible to broad audiences, NiMAC fulfills a unique role in Cypriot cultural infrastructure.
Visiting the Arts Centre
Opening hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 to 21:00. Sunday and Monday: Closed. The center closes in August and on public holidays. Admission is free for all exhibitions and programs. Guided tours are offered in Greek and English at scheduled times, typically on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Private group tours can be arranged by contacting the Cultural Services of the Ministry of Education and Culture. The center sits in the historic core of Nicosia within walking distance of the Venetian walls, the buffer zone, and other cultural landmarks. Limited parking is available nearby. Most visitors spend one to two hours exploring current exhibitions, though the library and educational programs may extend visits. The industrial architecture and courtyard spaces create an atmospheric environment that enhances the art viewing experience. The museum shop offers exhibition catalogs, artist monographs, and publications on contemporary art.
Why This Center Matters
NiMAC represents Cyprus’s commitment to contemporary artistic practice and cultural exchange. The institution demonstrates how former industrial spaces can gain new life as cultural venues while preserving architectural heritage.
The center provides a platform for artistic experimentation that would not exist without dedicated institutional support. By presenting challenging contemporary work alongside educational programs, NiMAC makes difficult art accessible to audiences who might otherwise find it intimidating.
The residency programs, Open Calls, and international collaborations connect Cyprus to broader artistic conversations occurring across Europe and beyond. The institution documents the evolution of contemporary art in Cyprus over three decades through its exhibition archives.
As Cyprus develops its cultural infrastructure and international cultural presence, NiMAC serves as proof that small nations can maintain world-class contemporary art institutions through sustained commitment and strategic partnerships.
