Spaces of Culture

Charles Landry, an international authority on the use of imagination and creativity in urban change, visited Izmir for a lecture and workshop at the Historical Havagazı Fabrikası (Historical Lighting Gas Factory) Culture Center. The workshop hosted 58 participants from the cultural and academic sectors. The aim of the event was to discuss the sense of belonging in contemporary urban spaces that are marked by constant change, the efficacy of existing spaces for the emerging cultural scene in Izmir, and the possibility of reinventing spaces for cultural initiatives and actors. İzmir, with its distinctive characteristics, is considered to be one of the most livable provinces in Turkey. Locals, however, are highly concerned about the recent and fast-paced processes of urban development, which they define as ‘Istanbulization’. Therefore, the need to develop a unique experience of urban development and cultural cooperation in Izmir constituted the core idea of the discussion which is to be contemplated further at the workshop’s follow-up event in autumn of 2018.

Supported by the Swedish Institute.

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