Dr. Yiannis Toumazis, First Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus undertakes the duties of Director of the Bank of Cyprus Cultural Foundation. 

A man of Arts and Culture with an important academic and professional career in the cultural events of Cyprus, Dr. Toumazis is expected to enhance the important and multifaceted work of the Cultural Foundation. 

Dr. Toumazis expressed his joy to take over the Management of the Cultural Foundation, a cultural lung for our country, with a rich history, unique collections and significant work. Pointing out that it is a great honor for him to take over the Management of the Foundation, he promised to activate all his powers to contribute to the further promotion of the key role of the Foundation in the cultural life of the country and its inhabitants, with extroversion, scholarship and creativity.

Born in Famagusta, Yiannis Toumazis studied Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens, followed by studies in Stage Design at the School of Fine Arts in Utrecht in the Netherlands and Aesthetics and Art Theory at the University of Amiens in France, where he completed his doctoral thesis.

He was Professor of Art History and Theory at Frederick University and coordinator of the doctoral program, promoting a rich literary work. 

From 1994 - 2023 he served as Director of the Nicosia Municipal Arts Centre and the Pierides Foundation. He also served as President of the Board of Directors of THOC and vice-president of the Bicommunal Technical Committee for Culture.

In 2011, the Republic of France awarded him the title of Knight of Arts and Letters for his contribution to culture. In 2020 he was unanimously elected Corresponding Member of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

He has curated several museums in Cyprus and Greece, including the award-winning Ayia Napa Municipal Museum THALASSA. 

He was also commissioned to curate the selection and installation of works of art by Cypriot artists in the two new buildings of the Larnaka and Pafos Airports.

In 2022 he was appointed as the first Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus until February 2023.