FAQ

What are the main activities of ‘Spaces of Culture’?
‘Spaces of Culture’ provides spaces and resources for the realization of cultural projects and discussion, training, and development opportunities for local institutions, cultural professionals, and community members. During the year, activities include International Mobility Program and Cultural Management Training Program.

What is the aim of the International Mobility Program?
International Mobility Program invites artists and cultural actors who live and actively work in Turkey – except Ankara and Istanbul, to attend a one-week program in the Spaces of Culture’s founding partner countries, namely Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, and France, to enrich their artistic practices and further develop cultural activities.

Can I apply to the International Mobility Program Open Call from any city in Turkey?
You can apply from any city in Turkey unless you reside and work in Istanbul or Ankara. Considering the relocations of the cultural actors and artists in the project cities amid the earthquakes in early 2023, those who had to migrate to İstanbul or Ankara can apply.

If I am a representative of an organization/institution/initiative located outside of Istanbul and Ankara, yet, my official residency is registered in these cities, can I still apply?
Yes, if you can prove your organization/institution/initiative operates in a city outside of Istanbul and Ankara, even though you reside in the abovementioned cities, you are welcome to apply. The applicant can demonstrate this information within their biography, institution link, and portfolio.  In this case, the project idea should be in line with the scope of activities and impact area of your organization. Istanbul and Ankara-based initiatives are not eligible for application even if their activities are aimed to make an impact on other cities.

Should I pay any fee to apply or participate in the program?
No, the application is free, and the form can be found here. All travel expenses, including passport, visa, flight tickets, meals, daily stipends, and accommodation will be covered by Spaces of Culture. Personal expenses should be covered by the participant.

Should I speak any foreign languages to be eligible to participate in the program?
No, you do not need to speak any foreign languages. Each program will be accompanied by translators. However, it can be advantageous for participants to communicate further with the visited institutions.

What does the International Mobility Program offer?
The International Mobility Program offers a one-week program consisting of site visits to art initiatives and cultural organizations, attendance at a variety of workshops and events, and one-on-one meetings with the prospective partner institutions that you named in the application form.

What should I consider while choosing a prospective project partner?
Applicants are expected to search for small or mid-scale institutions/organizations and/or individual cultural actors that would be open for collaboration based in Berlin, Paris, Stockholm, and Amsterdam. Please make sure to demonstrate at least one partner institution/actor and clearly express how your cultural work or artistic practice would benefit from this collaboration.

Can I propose any project partner that is not located in Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, or Paris?
Yes, you can purpose an institution/organization/ initiative/collective and/or individual cultural actor outside of Berlin, Paris, Stockholm and/or Amsterdam in the non-obligatory section in the form. The suggested partner should be based in Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands. Spaces of Culture does not guarantee to include proposed partners in the program; however, any input will be carefully considered.

Should I contact the prospective project partner beforehand?
No, you do not have to pre-correspond with your prospective project partner or pre-confirm partnership at this stage. During the program, you will have a chance to get to know or discuss the details of your project idea with the cultural actor that you wish to collaborate.

Would Spaces of Culture advise me if I cannot find a suitable project partner?
As the prospective partner suggestion is one of the main selection criteria, Spaces of Culture cannot advise you a project partner at this stage. You can check the International Mobility Program pages of previous years on our Programs page to see the cultural actors and organizations/institutions we have been in contact with so far. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to develop their project idea and build connections with partners through the program.

Can I attend more than one program in different countries?
No, you can only attend one program. You need to demonstrate your project partner preferences in priority order and you are advised to suggest three project partners in three different countries. If you are selected, Spaces of Culture will match you based on your country and institution choices on the application form, passport, and visa status, as well as the date of the program.

Why should I propose a project idea?
Successful applicants will find the opportunity for a follow-up program in 2024 to launch and produce international projects by creating new connections and/or nourishing already existing collaborations with their counterparts based in Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands. A selection of best collaboration projects will obtain the chance to be materialized with the financial support of Spaces of Culture up to 12.000 Euros.

Can I apply with several project ideas?
Yes, you can apply with more than one project ideas both as an individual and as an institution/​organization/​initiative/​collective. Also, different members of the same initiative can apply with different project ideas. However, it is advised to apply with one developed project in case of individual applications.

What should I consider while demonstrating my project idea?
Project ideas that you are going to develop with your prospective project partner and to implement in Turkey should focus on cultural production, artistic creation and/or training in arts and culture, engaging various institutions, actors, and spaces for a broader outreach.

When will the program take place?
One-week programs in Berlin, Stockholm, Amsterdam, and Paris will take place in October and November. Participants are going to be informed on their match with the cities and dates of travel after the evaluation process is completed.

Who is the right contact person for my question?
Please visit our Contact page here for the right person for your inquiry.

How can I stay informed about the ‘Spaces of Culture’ activities?
You can follow us on Instagram and Facebook, where we regularly share all important updates.