geopolitical strategic interests in the region can have a devastating effect on the regional partnerships that determine and support the programme of events. The recent aftermath of developments in the Middle East on Marseilles - Provence 2013 has led Pafos 2017 to take this risk factor into consideration and plan with foresight, flexibility and back-up mechanisms. The Open-Air Factory, together with the diverse array of pre-informed partners, provides the flexibility and resourcefulness necessary to deal and adapt effectively to sudden unexpected developments in the
region. Additionally, we seek to develop projects with the other bidding cities in Cyprus. Linking Continents encourages the crossover and experimentation of new forms of collaborations beyond the transnational level, realizing a new sense of globality that redefines our European cultural identity.