The UNESCO Chair on “Visual Anticipation and Futures Literacy towards Visual Literacy” at the Open University of Cyprus enters its 2nd term, until December 2030

The Open University of Cyprus (OUC) is pleased to announce the renewal of the UNESCO Chair on Visual Literacy until December 2030. The Chair was officially established at OUC in July 2022 with the aim of examining how images and visual stimuli shape our thoughts, beliefs and choices, personally and collectively. Through an innovative methodology and tailored workshops, the Chair promotes visual literacy, enhances critical thinking, and supports the deconstruction of stereotypes and the exploration of alternative futures. At the same time, it empowers individuals and communities to understand the past, manage the present and envision an inclusive and sustainable future. The Chair, thus, supports intercultural empathy and communication, as well as social solidarity. The Director of the Chair is Associate Professor Vicky (Vaya) Karaiskou.

The second term of the Chair marks a new period of creative scientific activity, aiming to further strengthen the international network of collaborations. At the same time, it creates new prospects for the development of interdisciplinary initiatives, research programs, educational activities and innovative methodological approaches in the field of Visual Literacy.

The OUC and the Director of the Chair, Associate Professor Vicky Karaiskou, express their sincere gratitude to the UNESCO/UNITWIN, the Cyprus National Commission for UNESCO, as well as the international network of the collaborating UNESCO Chairs, academics, researchers and institutional partners for their trust, cooperation and steadfast commitment to common goals.