Work is continuing at the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) to form an art collection as part of the project being run by EMU Center for Cyprus Studies. A collaboration protocol was signed adding 20 pieces of art from the 2016 – 2017 Academic Year to the 230 pieces of art from the   2015 – 2016 Academic Year. The protocol was signed at EMU Rector’s Office at 10:00 on the 28th of February 2017.  As a result of the protocol the Turkish Cypriot artists’ work was added to the EMU collection. The protocol was signed by Nilüfer İnandım, Hasan Zeybek, Taylan Oğuzkan, Nilgün Güney, Osman Keten, Mehmet Ulubatlı and Türksal İnce as well as EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam.

Speaking during the protocol Prof. Dr. Osam indicated that universities should value art as well as science stating that EMU has been trying to achieve this. Noting that the art needs to be exhibited in order for it to reach society, Prof. Dr. Osam stated that EMU requires its own museum. Congratulating EMU Center for Cyprus Studies on its successful work Prof. Dr. Osam thanked all artists for sharing their art with EMU.

EMU Architecture Faculty, Department of Architecture and EMU Center for Cyprus Studies Chair Prof. Dr. Naciye Doratlı delivered a speech noting that the Center for Cyprus Studies has taken on the task of researching Cyprus and the past of the Turkish Cypriot community. Prof. Dr. Doratlı stated that the Center has recently been concentrating on art concluding by thanking the artist for their valuable contributions.

The artists stated that they are very pleased about EMU valuing art, noting that they are always happy to support the project. Thanking EMU Center for Cyprus Studies, the artist stated that an important step has been taken and expressed their desire for a museum where they can exhibit their work.

Also present at the collaboration protocol signature ceremony were EMU Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Cem Tanova, Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özkaramanlı and Prof. Dr. Özgür Eren.