Kale Group, the corporate supporter of the 9th Çanakkale Biennial, organized a ‘Public Art’ workshop to support the introduction of high-quality artistic works into the public spaces of cities.

The workshop, held on October 19-20 under the coordination of the Kale Design and Art Center (KTSM), brought together experts and researchers from different generations in the fields of art, architecture, and design to share their views and experiences in order to create a roadmap.

Since 2008, the Çanakkale Biennial, organized by CABININ – the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative, a civil initiative that brings together different communities around contemporary art in Çanakkale, has held its 9th edition special events. On October 19-20, the ‘Public Art Workshop’ was conducted with the corporate support of Kale Group and the coordination of the Kale Design and Art Center (KTSM).

Kale Group aims to contribute to the creation of urban spaces where art permeates social life, thereby fostering pluralistic, participatory environments that allow different experiences and ideas to be freely expressed. The workshop aimed to create a roadmap for a participatory and interactive model that would bring together various stakeholders around the vision of living in an inspiring urban space enriched with quality artworks and introducing high-quality artistic works into the public spaces of cities.

The ‘Public Art Workshop,’ moderated by Yılmaz Değer, a founding member of Aura Istanbul, featured participants such as Zeynep Bodur Okyay, the President and CEO of Kale Group; Seyhan Boztepe, the Founding Director of the Çanakkale Biennial Initiative (CABININ); Deniz Erbaş, the Executive Curator and Co-Director of CABININ; Prof. Dr. Evren Karayel Gökkaya, the Vice Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Rıdvan Gölcük, the Director of the Troy Museum; Prof. Dr. Rüstem Aslan, the Head of the Troy Excavation; Tolga Özden, the Head of the Architecture Department at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University; Prof. Dr. Füsun Üstel, a Political Scientist; and other prominent figures in art, architecture, and social sciences in Turkey, including Prof. Dr. Asu Aksoy, Architect Cem Sorguç, and artists Esra Carus, Günnur Özsoy, Meral Değer, and Serhat Kiraz, who shared their views, experiences, and suggestions.

During the two-day workshop, various definitions and components of public space involving different disciplines and theories were discussed, along with the relationship between architecture, design, and public art, models of art practices in public spaces worldwide, and examples and experiences of public art in Turkey.

On the first day of the workshop, group work and presentations on public art were conducted at the Kaleseramik Factory in Çanakkale Çan. The second day began with local stakeholders providing information on the history of Çanakkale, examples of monument-art in public spaces, and historical layers like Troy-Gelibolu at StudioMAHAL, one of the biennial venues located in the center of Çanakkale. The outputs of the workshop were then shared with local stakeholders and the public at a panel that welcomed all the people of Çanakkale.

Zeynep Bodur Okyay: “We Want to Be Pioneers in Public Art in Turkey”

During her speech at the panel, Zeynep Bodur Okyay, the President and CEO of Kale Group, stated that the company has maintained a close relationship with art and artists since its establishment. She remarked, “As a result of Kale Group’s long-standing experience and knowledge in the fields of culture, art, and design, we want to support the introduction of high-quality artistic works into the public spaces of our cities. Just as Kale Group led the way in the establishment of industrial foundations in Anatolia 67 years ago and became an exemplary model of development, we aim to achieve similar pioneering efforts in the realm of public art today.”

Deniz Erbaş: “We Are Taking the First Step Towards an Art Project That Will Be a Model for Turkey”

During her speech at the panel, CABININ Co-Director Deniz Erbaş stated, “As a civil structure that has been working in the field of contemporary art centered in Çanakkale for 20 years and representing the city in the global cultural ecosystem, we are very proud to have taken the first step towards an art project that will serve as an example for Turkey by joining forces with Kale Group and KTSM, which are among Çanakkale’s important values. In the upcoming period, we aim to implement innovative practices that will connect common living spaces with art and contribute to the sharing of participatory, accessible, inclusive, and equitable environments. We have made an inspiring start towards establishing a solid and sustainable roadmap with the insights and suggestions of various experts, along with the contributions of local, national, and international stakeholders. Thank you to everyone for their participation and contributions.”

The panel, which was well-received by the people of Çanakkale, university students, and artists, facilitated an extensive exchange of ideas on art spaces in cities, artistic productions in common areas, and the tools and methods of these productions, marking a significant beginning for the future of Public Art.