16th Culture Next Conference | Larnaka (Cyprus)
Culture for CCC. Empowering the Cultural & Creative Sectors
The Conference
Culture Next (CN) together with Larnaka 2030 European Capital of Culture, member of the Culture Next network, will host the 16th Culture Next Conference from 6–8 May 2026 under the theme “Culture for CCS – Empowering the Cultural & Creative Sectors”.
The three-day event will bring together representatives from approximately 50 European cities, as well as representatives from the cultural and creative sector. A dedicated Public Day on 7 May will engage local stakeholders and link the discussions to the celebrations of Europe Day in Larnaka.
During the 16th Culture Next Conference, participants will explore sustainable governance models for cultural ecosystems, capacity building, and international networking. The programme will also highlight the realities faced by artists in exile and in war zones, including exchanges with organisations such as Musicians Without Borders and meetings with displaced cultural operators in Cyprus. Representatives from approximately 50 European cities will meet local artists and cultural organisations from Larnaka and the wider region. A Policy Paper on Empowering the CCS will be produced as a key outcome, positioning Larnaka at the centre of a broader European conversation on culture, resilience and social responsibility. International speakers and representatives from leading institutions and networks – including EIT Culture & Creativity, the European Commission Directorate-General for Education and Culture, and the EU-Japan Fest Japan Committee – are expected to contribute to the dialogue.
Culture Next
Culture Next is an informal, friendly and relaxed network dedicated to mutual support and collaboration between European cities which are current or former candidates for the European Capital of Culture title, awarded or not.
Seven years after its founding în Cluj-Napoca, Romania, Culture Next involves around 40 cities on the continent. În 2021 the network received a grant from the Creative Europe programme of the European Commission to scale-up Culture Next and improve its capacity to work with more European cities.
Interested to become a member?
Register nowMember Cities
Our members are cities or organizations representing various cities: former and future title holders, cities which continued their cultural programmes even without being selected aș ECoCs and cities which intend to do this.
Many of our members represent cities which are current candidates, interested în developing European connection and sustainable cultural programmes which can be implemented independently of the jury decision.
Registrations Open
Apply HereAccomodation
Room availability is quite limited during May, as this month falls within the tourist season. So it is important to book your accommodation early!
Travel to Larnaka
There are two main airports in Cyprus, located in Larnaka and Pafos.
***We strongly recommend avoiding travelling from Famagusta Airport (Geçitkale Air Base – GEC), located in the northern part of the island, which is not officially part of the Republic of Cyprus.
****For details and information
Please contact us by email:info@larnaka2030.eu with the Subject: ‘16th CN-LARNAKA’ or phone at +357 24632500
Larnaca International Airport (LCA)
Location: Larnaka, Cyprus
Address: Larnaka International Airport P.O. Box 43027 P.C. 6650 Larnaka Cyprus
Website:
Distance from Larnaka City Center: 6 km
Travel Time: 10–15 minutes
Transportation from Larnaka International Airport to the City Center
If you are travelling to Larnaka airport, we strongly recommend using a taxi from the airport to the city center, as it will be faster and more comfortable. The cost is around €25-30.
1) Public Bus
Website: https://www.publictransport.com.cy/
Line 430 (for the city centre):
Routes and Timetables – Cyprus Public Transport
Journey Duration: 18–20 minutes
Cost: €2–4 per person (only cash up to 5-10 euro)
2) Taxi Services
- Kolonaki Taxi – +357 24 657777
- Larnaka Airport Taxis – +357 24 652465
- Acropolis Taxi – +357 24 652531
- Stavraki Taxi – +357 99 368804
Journey Duration: 10–15 minutes
Cost: €25–30 (approx.)
Pafos International Airport (PFO)
Location: Pafos, Cyprus
Address: Pafos International Airport P.O. Box 62320 P.C. 8063 Pafos Cyprus
Website:
Distance to Larnaka City Center: 125–130 km
Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
Transportation from Pafos International Airport to Larnaka City Center
1) Kapnos Airport Shuttle (Mini-Bus) https://kapnosairportshuttle.com/
Journey Duration: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Cost: €15–20 per person
2) Taxi Services
- Larnaka Airport Taxi / Pafos Airport Taxis by Acropolis Taxi – +357 24 622000
- Cyprus Larnaka Airport Taxi Andreas Makris – +357 99 226820
Journey Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cost: €120–140 (approx.) for 1–4 passengers
Practical Information
Language – Greek / English
Currency – Euro €
Weather – Mid May usually warm, sunny, and dry, Mediterranean weather
Day time 26C, Night time 16C – 19C
Emergency number – 112
Time zone – Eastern European Time (ΕET)
https://larnakaregion.com/emergency-services
May is already the high season for Larnaka. The weather is suitable for swimming and the beach is 200 to 500 metres from all conference hotels.
Local Transport
https://www.publictransport.com.cy/ (city routes)
https://intercity-buses.com/ (routes to travel from one city to another within Cyprus)
Taxi Info
- Kolonaki Taxi – +357 24 657777
- Acropolis Taxi – +357 24 652531Stavraki Taxi – +357 99 368804
For routes within the city of Larnaka the duration is approximately: 10–15 minutes
Cost: €15 – 20 (approx.)
Places for a walk or run
(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EOVGJ-9hQcaNyBZavAMfVhpJDKlTDjMi/view?usp=sharing)
- Larnaka Salt Lake 8 miles (approximately 12-13 kilometers)
https://www.visitcyprus.com/discover-cyprus/nature/excursions/larnaka-larnaca-salt-lake/
- Larnaka Marina – Mackenzie Beach 4.5 km
Visiting
There are many archaeological sites and monuments in Larnaka that you can visit and see the island’s distinctive architecture. You can easily visit the museums in the city center and walk along the coastline of Foinikoudes.
https://www.visitcyprus.com/discover-cyprus/culture/sites-and-monuments/hala-sultan-tekke/
Nature
It should also be noted that the hotels are a maximum of 5 minutes’ walk from the beach. You can take your morning swim in the sea.
https://larnakaregion.com/en/things-do/thematic-cycling-routes
https://larnakaregion.com/place-be/beaches
https://larnakaregion.com/things-do/natural-treasures
https://larnakaregion.com/golden-sun-and-sparkling-sea
https://larnakaregion.com/en/directory/product/salina-park-youthmaker-space-larnaka
More activities
Agenda (draft version)
The conference agenda is subject to change.
Main Venue of the Conference – Allilodidaskaleio, venue next to Cathedral of Saint Lazarus, Larnaka
*As well as various locations in Larnaka city centre (details to follow). The agenda is in draft mode, many changes will follow
Day -1 |Early Arrivals Day
Tuesday 5th May 2026
This day has an unofficial vibe and is dedicated for the early arrivals, Culture Next Board & Executive Members and SDG Thing Lab participants.
First guest arrivals / check-ins
Meeting the Culture Next Board, Executive Members and SDG Thing Lab participants
Dinner
Open only to SDGs members and Management team that arrive earlier
Day 0 |Pre-meetings
Wednesday 6th of May
The morning sessions are dedicated to internal meetings of the Culture Next Management (Board and Executive Team) and the SDG Thing working group. The afternoon sessions are open to everyone.
We encourage participants (with the exception of the board of directors, executive team and SDG LAB participants) to travel on this day and arrive at the hotel by 5:00 PM so you can begin participating in the activities from 5:00 PM onwards.
Welcome coffee / tea
Welcome speeches & Introductions
SDG Thing Lab & Management Meeting
Lunch break
SDG Thing Lab & Management Meeting
Cultural City Tour - Open to everyone
Official Reception. Drinks & Dinner - Open to everyone
Day 1 | Public Day
Thursday 7th of May
This day is dedicated to the big conversations about Empowering the CCS: How ECoCs and other key cultural programmes can support the enabling conditions for a thriving CCI sector?
Welcome coffee
Welcome speeches & Introductions
Keynote speech
Coffee/Tea break
Panels
Lunch
Keynote speech
Workshops & cities pitches
Local focus
Dinner
Day 2 | Network Day
Friday 8th of May
This day is accessible to Culture Next member cities and cities that are interested in becoming members, and the conversations focus on issues related to Culture for CCS – Empowering the CCS and to internal Culture Next affairs. Participants are encouraged to book their flights after 14:30 as Day 2 is really important for the network!
