Description
Akbelen Forest, home to various tree species, such as pine, oak, alder, and chestnut as well as; different wild animals such as bear, deer, boar, fox, and rabbit has been under threat by a coal mine plan since 2021. If this plan works and the coal mine is fully developed, it will destroy thousands of trees covering around 400 hectares of forest.
Lately, the local community and NGOs have been protesting against this decision. Locals of İkizköy at Akbelen reacted to the mine project. They are still protesting against Limak Holding’s mine Project with NGOs and environmental activists.
Limak Holding’s Executive Board Chairwoman Ebru Özdemir is a member of the SAHA Association, which supports Turkish artists, curators, and writers in improving their work.
No doubt, Limak is not the only example in this issue, but rather the most current one. Companies that harm the environment try to create the ‘illusion’ that they are committed to sustainability by sponsoring artistic projects related to environmentalism.
Recent history is full of examples of companies sponsoring modern and contemporary art museums or exhibitions. Both in Turkey and around the world. Academic Fırat Arapoğlu delves into this subject as he asks:
* How should the art world react to companies that sponsor the arts while damaging the environment?
* Is it ethical for such companies to sponsor art?
* Will the art world ignore this contradiction, or will it bring it to light?
* Does sponsoring artistic events erase these companies’ environmental destruction record?
* Shouldn’t arts institutions that receive sponsorship from these companies also bear some responsibility?
* Will the art world continue to trust these institutions?
Arapoğlu’s piece titled “Towards Extinction: On Ecology and Art” is our cover story. During the summer months, while discussions of “transparency” in the arts and culture world were on top our agenda, we believe it is also our responsibility to address this equally important issue.
Amid the ongoing problems and uncertainty in the country, Autumn has arrived – known as the most important season in the arts and culture arena. Turkey has recently experienced a massive earthquake, undergone an election, facing a deepening economic and refugee crisis coupled with a housing crisis. We’ve contacted some of the most influential figures in the art world and asked for their predictions regarding the upcoming season. The special feature titled “What’s Next?” is a collection of their answers.
The Land&River Art Biennial starting on 23 Sept, which will be held on Mount Nemrut, in Adıyaman, is on our radar.
Land Art, which is not very common in Turkey, is more important than ever in the age of ecological disasters caused by the climate crisis. The biennial, which will take place in a breathtaking geography, will last until the end of this year.
The National Women’s Volleyball team achieved great success that will be talked about for a long time.
Art and sports naturally transcend everything else, and it is high time we celebrate our girls who won the European Championship.
Şebnem Kırmacı (Editor in Cheif)
