How did this grant contribute to the realization of your project in regard to artistic exchange, local cultural development and/or the promotion of cultural diversity?

There was a lot of different ways that Tate Intensive could contribute to my professional development. One possibility was to provide a platform for future collaborations. That was highly important for me to meet international colleagues concerned with similar issues that we could exchange knowledge and act collectively to organize projects to answer the needs of our own communities.

How does exchange, networking and international contacts contribute to the development of your artistic and cultural project?

This curatorial intensive gave me the chance to expand my horizons and perspectives, being in conversation with other art professionals. It was beneficial to be in an environment to talk about new approaches to curating, programming, audience development, governance and digital technology. And to raise the following questions: “How art institutions can become a space for sharing knowledge and coming together in time of political crisis? How is it possible to produce content that is not offensive to any polarized groups of the society? How can we act in institutions in a way that we are open to everyone with any type of political ideas? How do we deal with ethical dilemmas raising as a result of our roles as diplomats in institutions? How do we create a space for artists to be heard without getting censored?”

Can you elaborate on the learning and knowledge you have gained and shared throughout this experience?

In Turkey, as a result of limited numbers of art institutions and government support, there is a lot of responsibility on art galleries. It is a different model and sometimes difficult to understand for international members of the art community. Art galleries are not only spaces for profit but most of the times, they have to act as non-profit art institutions, providing artists a space to share their works with the audience and creating free platforms for discussions. Attending Tate Intensive was important for me to share this situation with my colleagues and to learn about their experiences, techniques and approaches to implement at my gallery and art collective.

Please indicate a link to your current work (website/facebook page)

https://collectivecukurcuma.com/ https://collectivecukurcuma.com/