President of the Republic Demetris Christofias said that the establishment of the Single Culture Authority is at its final stage and in the pipeline for 2012 is the implementation of this grand scheme, which will secure the means necessary for the efficient support and strengthening of cultural creation.

Addressing an event at the Presidential Palace to award the annual honorary grants, President Christofias said the Government`s aim was to involve children in the process of creation, in the framework of educational reform, and noted that “our aim is the substantive rewarding of cultural creators to take on a proper form and such an institution is the annual honorary grants.“

He said that, in the framework of the grants, over 200 creators have been rewarded in the sectors of literature, music, theatre, contemporary dancing, visual arts and pop culture.

Addressing the recipients of the awards, President Christofias said each one has offered valuable services and congratulated them on contributing to the development of the country.

“Our cultural identity comes to the forefront now more than ever and Cyprus will have the opportunity to promote its achievements and culture, and contribute to the fulfilling of political and cultural goals, values and visions, during the second half of 2012, when it will be presiding over the EU Council,“ he said.