Local Cultural Ecosystem in Türkiye Report

As part of the ‘Ortaklaşa: Culture, Dialogue and Support Programme’, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (İKSV) has recently published its latest cultural policy study, the ‘Local Cultural Ecosystem in Türkiye’ report.

This comprehensive report marks the culmination of the ‘Ortaklaşa: Culture, Dialogue and Support Programme’, generously supported by the European Union (EU). The project involved approximately one year of extensive fieldwork, aiming to enhance dialogue between Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) working in the field of culture and arts and municipalities across Turkey through collaborations and joint projects. Its ultimate goal is to foster the development of inclusive, participatory cultural policies.

Authored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ulaş Bayraktar from Mersin University, the report delves into several critical inquiries, primarily focusing on the mechanisms and initiatives required to establish a participatory, inclusive, egalitarian, and rights-based local cultural ecosystem. Furthermore, it explores the key players in shaping cultural policies within cities, the constraints, opportunities, and challenges ahead, and the needs of culture professionals.

The document showcases findings from nationwide field research, utilising both qualitative and quantitative methodologies to present a comprehensive picture of the diversity of actors within Turkey’s cultural ecosystem, including civil culture and arts organisations, municipalities, and city residents. It will serve as a strong foundation for fostering collaboration and dialogue based on cultural rights among all contributors to the local cultural ecosystem in Turkey and beyond.

You can read the report here.