As working together on various research and development projects related to cultural policies, arts management, cities, and participation since 2009,
namely as the Izmir Culture Workshop (2009), Istanbul European Capital of Culture (2010), İzDeniz (2012), Izmir Mediterranean Academy (2012-2024), Initiative of Izmir Culture Pla+form (2013-2021), The Impact of the Economic and Social Environment on Copyrights (2019), Nilüfer Culture Strategy (2020), Ataşehir Culture Strategy (2021), UCLG Culture Summit – Izmir (2021), Izmir Culture Fund – İzKF (2023-24), and Bozcaada Culture Strategy (2025); based on the experience we have gained from these collective efforts over the years.
As of 2026 we are embarking on a new path with Kooperat, which operates in the fields of cultural policies, arts management, research, development, and education.
Kooperat
As we pass through the first quarter of the 21st century, in light of the developments in the world and in our country, we are in a period where cities, micro-scaling, accessibility, and participation are inevitably and rapidly coming to the forefront in cultural policies and the field of art production, in line with the ideals of sustainable development. After long discussions and evaluations among ourselves, we concluded that the most appropriate form of collaboration would be a “research and education cooperative.” We believe that a cooperative, which emphasizes thinking, producing, and sustaining together with its partners both within and outside the organization, and with stakeholders from different sectors, is the most suitable working and cooperation model for the nature of our work compared to other types of legal entities. We have thus adopted the name “Kooperat,” which we believe best reflects this approach.
What Do We Do?
01
Researches aimed at accurately defining the characteristics of the ecosystem in all areas of cultural policies, paying particular attention to the final links in the value chain, especially those related to access to and participation in culture;
02
Projects for the implementation of arts management through a participatory and democratic governance mechanism in line with the views and interests of all stakeholders, and with its effects planned in advance;
03
Support programs for artistic production designed with the awareness that cultural vitality and development are only possible through the proliferation of artistic forms of expression, the discoverability of cultural production, and the protection of the artist’s freedom of expression and rights;
04
Proposals that redefine existing projects in line with the concrete needs of the place and communities in every project we undertake,
05
Training and development programs designed according to needs, taking into account the future of culture and art, in order to develop the capacities of our business partners and stakeholders,
06
Communication plans, applications and publications prepared and implemented to make the work we contribute to visible and sustainable,
07
Business development support to increase the effectiveness of ongoing projects,
08
Meetings, online and print publications that we organize to support knowledge production and sharing, not only by creating and managing projects in cultural policies and arts management, but also with the aim of developing content in this field.
09
Networks aimed at developing cooperation with institutions and individuals from within and outside Turkey in the fields we work on and in disciplines intertwined with them, such as ecology, education, wellness, sports, and tourism.
10
In all our work, we develop proposals that will ensure that the principles of equity, inclusivity, and cultural rights are prioritized by accurately identifying the needs of stakeholders.
How Do We Work?
01
By keeping the door open for collaborative thinking, discussion, and decision-making among partners,
02
By considering in-depth research as an indispensable priority in everything we do,
03
By striving to discover the rhythm and spirit of the place where we work in order to correctly understand its unique characteristics, with the awareness that culture can only endure through the diversity of expressions,
04
By considering culture in its broadest sense, in its inseparable links with arts, economy, social life, but also with nature and well-being,
05
Instead of projects that are completed quickly but whose effects and implementation are not monitored; we care about developing and implement long-term programs always in dialogue with project associates and partners,
06
Instead of starting from ready-made formulas, we take as a basis in strategies, plans and recommendations the information and data we have obtained throughout a long research process and compiled from participatory practices,
07
In each project, we consider the positions of all public, private and civil stakeholders that live and produce in the place where we are working while paying regard to needs of neglected groups, especially women, children and young people as a part of the solution, and to obtain support from experts on issues related to culture such as ecology, health and education,
we see ourselves as one of the stakeholders in the work and take ownership of the problems and expectations of our project partners.