Category: 2025
-
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.
-
Delal Eken’s “Beam” Navigates the Fragile Threshold Between Resistance and Light
Delal Eken is a painter and video installation artist exploring themes of waste, presence, and absence. Based in Istanbul, her solo exhibition “Beam,” running from June 12 to July 5, 2025, showcases her innovative use of materials to blur visibility and create layers of meaning. The curator, Deniz Özgültekin, emphasizes sensory engagement over didactic interpretation.
-
CAMMA Spring Conversations
On May 28th, I engaged in a significant discussion with Associate Professor Gökçe Dervişoğlu Okadan regarding social impact in cultural management. As a former student of hers, the conversation held personal significance. We shared insights on our respective journeys and efforts to enhance the field’s ability to demonstrate its value effectively.
-
Exploring Nature and Technology in Esin Aykanat Avcı’s Art
Esin Aykanat Avcı’s exhibition, “Prospect of Life,” explores the connections between nature, technology, and humanity through artistic representations of leaves. By questioning the role of artists amid societal dysfunction, she combines art and science to reflect on the balance of life and mechanism, inviting contemplation on contemporary existence and revitalization.
Burak Mert 