Connect with us
background

News

Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa (MUSAN) is now open

Nick and Caroline Robertson-Brown

Published

9 months ago

on

The opening of MUSAN took place with an impressive ceremony last week at Pernera beach in Ayia Napa. 

MUSAN is an aquatic treasure for Cyprus, since its uniqueness in combination with Ayia Napa’s marine environment create a special project, the like of which isn’t offered anywhere else.

© MUSAN / @JasondeCairesTaylor

The ceremony was opened by Ayia Napa’s Mayor, Christos Zannettou who stated: “I am very excited that this project is inaugurated during my time as mayor. It’s a legacy for future generations and contains many symbolisms about the alienation of humans from the environment, the relationship between different generations and climate change”.

The creation of MUSAN was a result of the joint effort of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, the Ayia Napa municipality and the Ministry of Tourism. In her speech, the director of the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, Marina Argyrou, expressed her great satisfaction and excitement that a unique and innovative project that was envisioned with the Ayia Napa municipality is becoming a reality. “I firmly believe that Jason’s 93 artworks will be a haven for many sea creatures and will contribute to the development of biodiversity in the area. The underwater museum will be a living visual and ecological experience, with works of art interacting with nature and evolving over time and I’m certain it will bring people closer to the marine environment and the conservation and protection of our marine ecosystem”. The Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works and former Mayor of Ayia Napa, Yiannis Karousos also addressed the guests. “When asked what projects I am proud to have promoted or implemented during my seven-year term as Mayor of Ayia Napa, among the first I mention is the MUSAN Underwater Museum that we are inaugurating today”, said Mr. Karousos. “It’s a Mediterranean jewel created by the world-renowned artist Jason deCaires Taylor and offers visitors an unforgettable experience that demonstrates the relationship of humans with nature, the environment and the seabed.”

© MUSAN / @JasondeCairesTaylor

MUSAN is a landmark for the tourist product and the promotion of the marine environment of Cyprus, since it is an unmatched experience that combines the natural environment of the sea with art in a way that stands out. In his speech, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Savvas Perdios, stated that “diving tourism is a priority in the National Tourism Strategy 2030″.

At the new Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa, visitors can tour an underwater forest, a world’s first. There, they will view 93 works of art by Jason deCaires Taylor, inspired by nature and humans. At the same time, the museum is a work of art in itself, in which nature will be an artist and will make its own interventions, over time. The sculptures have been designed and made with materials that attract marine life, and are placed at different depths, thus creating a suitable substrate for marine life at all levels.

© MUSAN / Costas Constantinou

The sculptures are made of inert materials, with neutral pH, so as not to adversely affect the area. It’s a sandy area, 200 meters from the coastline of Ayia Napa and it is expected that over time the biodiversity of the area will be enriched, thanks to the museum.

Museum visitors can be divers, but also swimmers with mask and snorkels. The entire project is a water journey into the relationship between man and nature, as created by the renowned Jason deCaires Taylor. The artist uses his knowledge and skills as a sculptor, marine conservationist, underwater photographer and scuba instructor to create unique works of art, which respond to the place they are put and enhance marine life.

For more information visit the MUSAN website by clicking here.

Header Image: © MUSAN / Costas Constantinou

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

News

DIVING talks 2022: the discussion we all want to hear

European DTA Team

Published

15 hours ago

on

May 4, 2022

By

This year’s DIVING talks event will take place in Troia, Portugal from October 7-9 2022. The event will bring together many of the world’s leading divers, explorers, scientists, and researchers, and one of the highlights is sure to be the presentations.

Imagine having PADI, SDI and SSI in the same room to discuss the future of teaching in diving? This would be an exciting debate, wouldn’t it?

Imagine no more. Mark Caney, Mark Powell and Jean Claude Monachon are going to be talking about diving through the perspective of the three biggest agencies: PADI, SDI and SSI.

  • Mark Caney, PADI – Professional Association of Diving Instructors’ Industry Relations and Training Executive, is President of the European Underwater Federation, President of the Rebreather Training Council and President of the World Recreational Scuba Training Council.
  • Mark Powell is the SDI – Scuba Diving International Director of Global Development
  • Jean Claude Monachon is SSI – Scuba Schools International Vice-President, International Business Development & Marketing.

This is one ‘talk’ you won’t want to miss!

For more information, contact Arlindo Serrão via e-mail: arlindo.serrao@portugaldive.com or check out the following links:

Continue Reading

News

DIVING talks 2022: all you need to know about this year’s event in Portugal

European DTA Team

Published

1 week ago

on

April 26, 2022

By

It’s been announced that the second DIVING talks event will take place in Troia, Portugal from October 7-9 2022. This international event brings together the world’s leading divers, explorers, scientists, and researchers, and follows the 2021 event considered by many to be one of the best dive shows worldwide.

DIVING talks will feature presentation panels, talks and debates by keynote speakers from all over the world to promote and share knowledge on the underwater environment. The Organization expects to host 450+ worldwide attendees locally and 50,000 online viewers during the show’s three days.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

  • Once again, the show will bring together a fantastic Speakers Panel with some of the most recognised and followed divers, explorers, scientists, and researchers;
  • Capitalising on the success of the “Talks” format, DIVING talks 2022 maintains the thematic panels’, but the Speakers will engage in other debate formats;
  • The brands will have more facetime with their clients and promote equipment trials, workshops, and networking opportunities during the so-called “Activities”.
  • Establish in Portugal a new hub for all subjects related to diving, both technical and scientific.

The DIVING talks speakers come from all over the world, work on different projects related to the subaquatic environment and will share incredible stories with the attendees. Already confirmed are Adam Wood, Alexandre Hasche, Armando Ribeiro, Audrey Cudel, William (Bill) Stone, Brandi Mueller, Gareth Lock, Jean Claude Monachon, Leigh Bishop, Mark Caney, Mark Powell, Nuno Sá, Simon Mitchell, Stef Panis, Teresa Amaro, Tomasz Stachura, and Xavier Meniscus.

STRUCTURE OF THE EVENT

THE PANELS

The Panels will promote the best, the most innovative content, the latest work and discoveries in diving, sub-aquatic studies, and technological development. The Panels will feature exciting presentations or debates on essential topics such as scuba diving teaching evolution.

THE EXHIBITION

DIVING talks 2021 will feature an exhibition area, a ‘show and tell’ expo that will host a range of exhibitors from the global diving industry, showcasing their latest services, products and technologies.

THE ACTIVITIES

The Activities will be a space and time for joining a brand with its client base, showing, discussing or experimenting – even underwater.

VISITING AND ‘STAY & DIVE’ PACKAGES

DIVING talks 2022 partners with Portugal Dive to provide the best planning solutions for Attendees wanting to spend some time in Portugal, visiting and diving before or after the show.

Find our more at www.portugaldive.com | portugaldive@portugaldive.com

Attendees wanting to benefit from special conditions using Portugal Dive’s services, please provide a copy of your e-ticket when booking.

PROGRAM

DIVING talks 2022 will be held from October 7 to 9. The schedule is as follows:

FRIDAY, October 7 2022

09:30 – 12:00  Scuba discovery activities

09:30 – 18:00  Arrival, accreditation and set-up of displays

12:30               Welcome lunch

12:30 – 18:00  Workshops, trials, brand networking

14:30               Official opening of the Exhibition

17:30               Visit Grandola with dinner

SATURDAY, October 8 2022

All-day             Exhibition and visit to displays

Morning          “Talks”

13:00 – 14:00  Lunch

Afternoon       “Talks”

19:30               DIVING talks dinner and Awards Ceremony

SUNDAY, October 9 2022

All-day             Exhibition and visit to displays

Morning          “Talks”

13:00 – 14:00  Lunch

Afternoon       “Talks”

Attendees will benefit from special conditions for accommodation in selected hotels close to the show venue.

CONTACT POINT FOR FURTHER DETAILS

Arlindo Serrão

E-mail: arlindo.serrao@portugaldive.com

Mobile: +351 964643858

For more information:

Continue Reading

E-Newsletter Sign up!

Trending