Istanbul

To develop the new generation of Istanbul creatives, Kültür AŞ, a subsidiary of Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, is reinvigorating the city’s venues and supporting young artists by providing workspaces and building connections through sponsored events and initiatives.

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OPEN TO CREATIVITY

“Our primary goal is to increase the accessibility of culture and the arts while creating more spaces where artists, especially young ones, can express themselves,” says Kültür AŞ general manager, Murat Abbas. “Creative industries such as visual and performing arts, film, and design contribute to economic growth and job creation. Artistic efforts in these fields create new job opportunities for creative professionals, making a major contribution to society’s overall welfare.”

Murat Abbas, General Manager, Kültür AŞ
“Creative industries such as visual and performing arts, film, and design contribute to economic growth and job creation.”

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Istanbul is working to attract younger audiences, as well as supporting those who want to work in the creative sector. Kültür AŞ has established the Koltuk Senin (“The Seat Is Yours”) programme, which distributes unsold tickets free to under-24s. Meanwhile, at its Sahne Senin (“The Stage is Yours”) events, young performers can share the stage with established talent. Emerging artists can showcase their work at Taksim Sanat, an exhibition space within the bustling Taksim metro station.

Müze Gazhane (Gasworks Museum)
At the Hava Kararınca (“When the Night Falls”) concert series, the texture of history is illuminated by candlelight.

Taksim Sanat
Open studio days at Kültür AŞ’s public exhibition space give young artists the opportunity to showcase their talents.

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Kültür AŞ is also revitalising Istanbul’s infrastructure to attract younger crowds. One such venue is the Digital Experience Museum, which combines history with digital art to tell the story of the city. Kültür AŞ’s Istanbul Bookshop chain, which stocks a range of titles about the city, will soon have an app for browsing and buying. In 2025, Kültür AŞ will open a 50,000 sq m space that will host fairs and live events.

Müze Gazhane (Gasworks Museum)
The Yerin Altında (“Underground”) series transforms the venue’s parking lot into a multidisciplinary cultural stage.

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Abbas believes that a vibrant cultural scene “defines a city’s identity and voice”. The benefits of the upgrade to Istanbul’s facilities and services will help shape its cultural footprint. “When Istanbul’s streets overflow with the energy of art, knowledge and history, this vitality draws life to the city, creating a dynamic that nourishes its citizens and elevates society,” he adds.