During an emotional ceremony, Frederick University conferred the title of Honorary Doctor of the School of Arts, Communication and Cultural Studies upon the internationally renowned sculptor Costas Varotsos.

With this distinction, the University celebrated Varotsos’ pioneering artistic vision, his invaluable contribution to contemporary sculpture, his international creative presence, and his inspiring work as an educator.

The Ceremony, held on 19 November in Frederick University’s “Tassos Papadopoulos” Seminar Room, brought together distinguished figures from the arts and letters, esteemed guests, members of the academic community and students.

The ceremony commenced with the formal entrance procession of the University’s Rectorate and the academic staff of the School of Arts, Communication and Cultural Studies.

The Deputy Minister of Culture, Dr. Vassiliki Kassianidou, and the University’s Rector, Professor George Demosthenous, addressed the event. Professor Savvas Christodoulides, member of the faculty of Frederick University’s Department of Architecture, presented an overview of the honoree’s legacy. The Senate’s resolution was read by the Dean of the School of Arts, Mr Panayiotis Michael.

In his address, the Rector spoke warmly of the honoree, stating: “The title of Honorary Doctor is the highest academic distinction a university can bestow. Through this honor, we recognize in Mr. Varotsos a figure whose work has profoundly shaped contemporary Greek and international visual culture.” He further noted that Varotsos is the first Honorary Doctor of the School of Arts, Communication and Cultural Studies—a milestone for the School’s already important legacy.

Deputy Minister Kassianidou highlighted the University’s role in bridging science and art, and referred to Varotsos’s long-standing presence in Cyprus’s public sphere. “Mr. Varotsos has left an indelible mark on the public spaces of Cyprus and Greece, creating works that do not simply impress but continue to accompany the viewer long after leaving them behind,” she remarked. She made special reference to “The Poet”, the artist’s first major public glass sculpture, created in Nicosia’s walled city in 1983, signaling the beginning of his deep connection with Cyprus.

The investiture, during which the honoree was robed in the University’s academic gown, was performed by the Rector and accompanied by Stavros Xarchakos’ Barcarola music theme. The distinguished composer— a close friend of the artist—graciously granted permission for its use, lending the moment a particularly moving atmosphere.

The ceremony concluded with Professor Varotsos’ response and a lecture titled “The truth is always something else,” through which he offered a deeply personal and contemplative reflection on his artistic philosophy. Speaking on the nature of public sculpture, he noted: “Public art is a form of art that stands apart from art systems. Public sculpture remains a relationship between the artist, the place and nature.” He further reflected on his longstanding ties with Cyprus, emphasizing that “The Poet”, created in Nicosia, was the foundation for his international career and his artistic journey with glass.

Varotsos remarked that this recognition from Frederick University holds special significance for him precisely because of his enduring relationship with the island. Visibly moved, he expressed his gratitude: “I want to sincerely thank you, Rector, for the immense honor of becoming a member of Frederick University. You should know that I will always stand by the University, whenever you may need me.”

At the reception that followed in the University gardens, guests had the opportunity to meet the artist and engage in conversation about his work and creative path.

Costas Varotsos is one of Greece’s most prominent sculptors, with international acclaim. His works are featured in public spaces across Greece, Cyprus, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Belgium, Egypt and the United States. In Nicosia, his sculptures “The Poet” and “Anelixi” stand as key landmarks of the city’s urban and cultural landscape.