Author: burakmert
-
The Silence Between Forms
Rüzgar Polat’s ongoing exhibition at Muse Contemporary Art Gallery, The Shape Between, is on view until August 15, 2026. I had the opportunity to see the works together with the artist, and the tour evoked new questions and ideas about the artworks and the concepts of void, transformation, and contemporary aesthetics. I couldn’t help but…
-
Art TV Interview: Reflecting on Gate 27’s Social Impact Journey
Gate 27 Founder Melisa Sabancı Tapan and Director Burak Mert Çiloğlugil speak with ARTtv about the publication of Gate 27’s first Social Impact Report, discussing the role of impact measurement in artist residencies, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the institution’s vision for creating long-term social value through arts and culture.
-
Beyond Anthropocentrism: Materiality, Biota, and Shared Agency
On February 19, 2026, Beyza Durhan reflected on her residency at Gate 27 through an engaging conversation about her artistic practice, focusing on collaboration with biomaterials and non-human entities. This dialogue revealed her process of sharing control in art, influenced by deep ecological principles and personal experiences with bees and nature.
-
Gate 27’s First Social Impact Report Is At ACA’s 35th Conference
I presented the inaugural social impact report of Gate 27 at the ACA conference in Santa Fe, highlighting the program’s role in supporting interdisciplinary arts since 2019. The conference facilitated valuable discussions on fundraising challenges and social impact measurement, emphasizing the importance of socially engaged practices within the global arts community.
-
INNOCIDE at Rast Gallery: A Quiet Dialogue in Layers
The Rast Gallery’s exhibition, INNOCIDE, features the collaborative works of Nathalie Rey and Mesut İkinci, exploring themes of microviolence and memory. Curated by Begüm Güney, the exhibition prompts reflections on the fragile human body through diverse media, including painting and installations. The title “Innocide” signifies the connection between innocence and everyday violence, encapsulating the emotional…
-
Threads Holding The Story Together: Interview With Rosa Lacavalla
During the 2024 Foto Festiwal in Łódź, I met Rosa Lacavalla and discussed her project inspired by the equator’s imaginary line between Italy and Argentina. Her work examines themes of migration and cultural exchange, emphasizing the connection between nature and architecture. Rosa’s experiences highlight the importance of personal stories within artistic expressions.
-
Interview for Gate 27’s 2024 Almanac
Esin Hamamcı from Gazete Oksijen interviewed me about Gate 27’s 2024 Almanac, highlighting its impact on residents and collaborators through included interviews. The Almanac also serves as an activity report for the residency operations. Thanks to Esin Hamamcı for the interview, which is available only in Turkish.
-
Where to draw the line? Art as a Tool or Art as a Creative Process
Capitalism has commodified all aspects of life, including arts and culture, which are crucial for social change. While the market influences artistic value, a balance must be maintained to preserve authenticity and depth in artistic expression. The arts can drive meaningful change, yet risks exist in their commercialization.
-
Positioning Arts and Culture To Deliver Impact
The visual arts and cultural sector faces challenges in achieving financial sustainability while ensuring public access. Museums rely on diverse income streams, but smaller initiatives struggle with funding and scalability. Social impact reporting is increasing, highlighting the arts’ role in addressing societal issues. Collaboration with larger institutions and supportive policies are essential for growth and…
-
Impact Investment or Investment Bringing Impact
The event “Regenerative Capital: Impact and Future Meeting” highlighted the importance of arts and culture in social impact and its role in regenerative economic models. It emphasized the necessity of measuring social value and ESG efforts, while acknowledging the gap between environmental focus and social impact, implying a need for integration between these areas.
