Istanbul Museum of Modern Art

Describe the practice, program, or project, what innovative approach is proposed, and in which core museum activities it applies: conservation, education, collection, exhibition programs, publications, research, accessibility, communication, governance, and sustainability.

Istanbul Modern, through its “Following a Dream” program launched in October 2023, enables young girls who wish to receive art education to meet with women artists and art professionals throughout the year and enhance their creative expression. The program is organized in collaboration with schools, local governments, and NGOs. Coming together at Istanbul Modern every Saturday, students take classes in art history, sculpture, painting, music, dance, and video art, conducted by academics, artists, curators, art historians, and museum experts.

Inspired by the women artists’ productions in the museum’s collection, the program introduces female students to their role models. Through the experiences and artworks of these women artists, the program aims to help students discover their own creativity and encourage them to pursue their own envisioned art careers. Designed to increase the visibility of women artists and enhance gender equality, the program offers students the opportunity to experience different artistic disciplines. In addition to providing art education, the program contributes to the development of students’ critical thinking, worldview, relationship with their bodies, and social communication skills.
In its first year, the program, which graduated its first students in June 2024, included 40 young girls from different public schools in Istanbul, 5 of whom were under state protection.

As the first and only modern art museum to sign a protocol with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, Istanbul Modern has been bringing, for the last 20 years, children and young people together with art education as a non-profit institution. In addition to securing various sponsorships and forming partnerships to that end, Istanbul Modern also directs the resources gathered from the annual Gala Modern to the Education and Social Projects Department. Since the museum’s establishment in 2004, 900 thousand children and young people have participated in Istanbul Modern’s free educational programs.

Explain in one sentence why you think the project you nominate is outstanding and could serve as an example for the entire community of modern and contemporary art museums.

The “Following a Dream” program offers a sustainable education model that brings together various actors in the contemporary art ecosystem with a participatory approach, enhances gender equality, and lays the groundwork for nurturing art-enthusiastic young people and empowered women who can express themselves creatively.

Explain why this practice or program is relevant and sustainable in creating meaningful and lasting connections with people, communities, and the museum context with a medium to long-term vision.

Istanbul Modern envisions a future where art is accessible to everyone, particularly the younger generations. Another key focus is enhancing gender equality in art. With women making up one-third of the artists in its collection, the museum established the Women Artists Fund in 2016 to support the women artists in Türkiye, increase their visibility, and strengthen their representation.
The “Following a Dream” program aims to enable young girls to establish strong connections with the cultural and artistic fields. Exhibition tours and artwork appreciation sessions ensure a lasting relationship between the program and the museum. Students are offered the opportunity to work as volunteers and will be involved in the orientation of students who will participate next year.
In the long term, the program aims to cultivate generations that are attuned to art, expand the scope of the art scene in Türkiye, and increase the visibility of women artists.

What are the outcomes of the practice you are most proud of?

One of the most significant impacts of the “Following a Dream” program on participants is the boost in their courage and self-confidence, as expressed by the students themselves. The program not only supports students’ personal development but also allows them to be part of a collective production process in solidarity with their peers. The exhibition of the works produced by the participants at the end of the program is of great importance as a tangible outcome of this year-long endeavor. Moreover, three of the program’s first graduates voluntarily work at the museum in the summer of 2024. In its first year, the program involved students residing in 10 different districts of Istanbul. With the program’s success and increased visibility, along with growing interest from supporters, its scope will expand to 15 districts next year, with a higher number of students participating.

How has the nominated practice changed your methods and ways of working?

The Istanbul Modern team had the opportunity to work with a group of young participants for an extended period of nine months for the first time. The team had the chance to make comprehensive and consistent observations about the students’ perspectives on modern art and their needs. One key finding from these observations was the benefit of using the energy and time that would be spent on increasing the number of participants to instead enhance the quality of the education provided. The knowledge, experience, and insights gained at the end of the program’s first year will offer different and innovative perspectives for subsequent periods. New communication strategies with local governments, ministries, schools, and supporters facilitated reaching students from different socioeconomical backgrounds. The success and recognition of the program’s first year have led to an increase in institutions wanting to support the program and students wishing to participate.

Learn more:

https://www.istanbulmodern.org/en/education/education-projects/following-a-dream