The Cyprus Cultural Foundation has launched an international architectural competition for the Cyprus Cultural Centre in Nicosia. The competition is open to all qualified architects and will be structured in two stages. In the first, qualifying stage, architects are asked to submit credentials by 11 December 2006. An international Jury will then short-list five to eight practices. The short-listed practices will be asked to submit conceptual design proposals by 5 March 2007, together with details of their credentials and a fee proposal.

It is intended that The Cyprus Cultural Centre will be one of the most significant new works of architecture in Nicosia: a national venue for the performing arts that will have a transformational impact upon cultural provision in Nicosia, in Cyprus and within the wider multi-national context of the European Union and beyond. In addition to the main 1,350 – 1,400 seat multi-purpose auditorium suitable for symphonic music, dance, opera and musicals, the building will contain a smaller hall suitable for chamber music, world music, jazz, dance and the spoken word and an outdoor theatre suitable for larger scale concerts and popular entertainment. The building will also contain spaces suitable for educational activities, functions and receptions, and the foyer areas will be suitable for informal performance, exhibition and circulation.

Competition Schedule
Last date for receipt of questions: 13 November 2006 
Answers to questions distributed: 20 November 2006 
Last date for receipt of First Stage submissions: 11 December 2006
Announcement of Second Stage shortlist: 20 December 2006
Final brief mailed to short - listed practices: 21 December 2006 
Colloquium in Nicosia: 09 January 2007
Last date for receipt of Second Stage submissions: 05 March 2007
Announcement of Winner: 16 March 2006

Exhibition
16 April - 11 May