We had the honor of welcoming Mr. Görgün Taner, General Director of the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV), for a distinguished academic and cultural lecture at International Balkan University. The event brought together our professors, students, and members of the wider academic community, providing meaningful insight into the vision, structure, and global impact of one of Türkiye’s most influential cultural institutions.

The program opened with remarks from Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Lokçe, who extended a warm welcome to our esteemed guest and emphasized the importance of strengthening international cultural and academic ties. He highlighted that hosting leaders from globally recognized institutions enriches our academic environment by connecting theoretical learning with real-world professional practice.

In his lecture, Mr. Taner presented the mission, history, and contemporary activities of IKSV, an institution that has shaped Istanbul’s cultural landscape for decades. He outlined the foundation’s major festivals and international programs—including those dedicated to film, music, theatre, jazz, and contemporary arts—and discussed how these initiatives contribute to Istanbul’s position as a global cultural hub.

Addressing the broader significance of cultural institutions, Mr. Taner reflected on their strategic role in promoting dialogue, creativity, and international exchange. He placed particular emphasis on IKSV’s long-term commitment to supporting emerging artists, designers, curators, and cultural professionals through residency programs, open calls, educational platforms, and international collaborations. In this context, he encouraged IBU professors and students to explore opportunities to participate in IKSV projects and future programs.

The event concluded with an engaging interactive session, where students posed questions related to careers in cultural management, international project participation, and the evolving challenges cultural institutions face in the digital era. Mr. Taner encouraged them to embrace interdisciplinary thinking, pursue collaboration, and continue developing their creative and professional capacities.