We are delighted to announce the recipients of this year’s Culture and Arts Fund grants, supporting three remarkable civil society organisations dedicated to enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of Türkiye.
This year’s call for applications, launched in partnership with the Support Foundation for Civil Society (Sivil Toplum için Destek Vakfı), received an impressive 155 applications from 32 cities across Türkiye. Following a rigorous selection process, we’re providing a total of £45,140 (2,003,100 TL) to three organisations for the 2024-25 period.
Below, we introduce our new grantee partners and their exciting projects:
Actors Union of Turkey (Oyuncular Sendikası)
The Actors Union of Turkey was established in 2011 to advocate for the professional and social rights of performers in the arts, cinema, and television sectors and provide representation for their needs. The union addresses issues such as fair contracts, workplace equity, and social security while promoting artistic freedom. Through its efforts, it aims to improve conditions for its members and contribute to the development of Türkiye’s creative industries.
With the grant support of £14,873, the Union will implement its project “Women, Shadows and Walls,” a series of four short plays highlighting the stories of marginalised individuals. Tackling themes such as gender inequality, migration, and societal norms, the project aims to raise awareness about discrimination and gender-based inequality. The performances will take place in unconventional settings relevant to the characters’ lives, such as a textile workshop for refugee women. Scripts will be developed through focus group discussions with disadvantaged women, ensuring an authentic and impactful portrayal. Post-performance surveys will measure audience perceptions, with findings shared during a dedicated launch event.
Association for Communicating Social Good (Sosyal Fayda için Iletişim Derneği – SoFI)
The Association for Communicating Social Good (SoFI) was founded in 2024 by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, journalists, sociologists, and activists to strengthen the communication capacity of civil society organisations (CSOs) and to promote rights-based communication in Türkiye. By providing tools, strategies, and expertise, SoFI helps CSOs effectively share their stories, amplify their impact, and engage broader audiences. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the association supports efforts to raise public awareness and foster social change across Türkiye. SoFI focuses on projects in culture, arts, ecology, freedom of expression, anti-discrimination, and gender equality.
With grant support of £14,492, SoFI will carry out the “New Media and Communication Capacities of Performing Artists” project. This initiative aims to enhance the media and communication capacities of independent and socially impactful performing artists and artist collectives. Through research on media usage among 70 independent theatre stages in Istanbul, as well as training sessions for at least 225 artists, the project will empower participants with skills in social media content creation, digital advertising, AI tools, and crisis communication. The program will culminate in the establishment of a sustainable communication network among artists and trainers to support ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Theatre Foundation of Turkey (Türkiye Tiyatro Vakfı)
The Theatre Foundation of Turkey, founded in 2019 by a dedicated group of theatre professionals, academics, and enthusiasts, is committed to preserving, celebrating, and enriching the heritage of Turkish theatre. The foundation works to safeguard the art form’s intangible cultural legacy while fostering appreciation and understanding among wider audiences. Among its long-term goals is the creation of a comprehensive archive that documents the evolution of Turkish theatre and the establishment of a national Theatre Museum—a space that would serve as both a repository of knowledge and a hub for artistic inspiration.
With a grant of £15,775, the foundation will launch a comprehensive exhibition and event series to highlight Türkiye’s rich theatrical history through carefully curated thematic sections. These will feature themes such as “Tribute to Genco Erkal,” “Young Actors Theatre Ensemble,” “Talking Photos,” and “Women Hamlets,” offering visitors a deeper understanding of the art form’s evolution. Interactive components will engage audiences, while advocacy efforts will aim to garner public and institutional support for establishing the Theatre Museum. Through this project, the foundation aspires to make the cultural significance of theatre more visible and ensure its legacy is preserved for future generations.
We look forward to seeing these projects come to life and witnessing their contributions to Türkiye’s vibrant culture and arts sector.
