Cyprus University of Technology and the Rialto Theatre have developed a strong bond over the years, establishing a close collaborative relationship since the very beginning of the University’s foundation in 2007. The two Organisations are united both by their presence in the city centre of Limassol, as well as by their common vision for a city that is both modern and attractive, as well as for a new generation of scientists driven by knowledge, innovation, and creativity.

 

The common path of these two institutions is being expressed through collaboration memoranda and protocols, signed by both organisations, which include a series of co-organised events, actions, and mutual benefits. These include the granting of the Theatre’s use to CUT Departments and Schools for hosting diverse events, exhibitions and conferences; the digitalisation of the Theatre’s archive by the CUT library; the multi-faceted collaboration between the two institutions during film festivals; the circulation of the Theatre’s promotional material at the CUT premises; offering free or reduced-price tickets to students; offering to students of the CUT applied arts departments the possibility of internship at the Rialto Theatre etc.

 

This close collaboration was renewed in March 2022 by signing a relevant protocol, in force for the next few years. This memorandum of collaboration was renewed during a signing ceremony, held in the presence of members of the two Organisations, of Prof. Panayiotis Zafiris, Rector of Cyprus University of Technology, and Mrs Daphne Pitta Diogenous, President of the Rialto Theatre’s Board of Directors.

 

Within the framework of their expanded protocol, the collaboration between the two Organisations was further enhanced with the introduction of new institutional events and festivals, starting with the annual international animation festival  The Animattikon Project in Limassol. The Festival is a collaboration between Kimonos Art Center, the Multimedia and Graphic Art Department – CUT, and the Rialto Theatre, which was hosted at the Theatre between 26-28 October 2022. In March 2023 (24-26/03), the first tribute to Psychanalysis and Cinema was organised for the first time, a collaboration between Lab for Animation Research – CUT, the Cyprus Society for Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, and the Rialto Theatre, including screenings and discussions. Moreover, on 22 May 2023, the Theatre hosted yet another event, titled Poetic Docs, organised by the Fine Art Department – CUT and showcased short documentaries created by third-year students. Several other international conferences and co-organised events are also scheduled to take place until the end of 2023.