Professional Profile
Senior cultural project strategist and filmmaker with over 25 years of international experience in intercultural dialogue, EU cultural cooperation, media platforms, artistic production, and documentary filmmaking. Founder and Secretary General of the Istanbul-based cultural initiative DIYALOG. Proven expertise in Creative Europe networks, transnational partnerships, cultural diplomacy, platform development, and cross-border media production. Regularly conducts video workshops focusing on storytelling, mobile filmmaking, and editing.
Coordinator, Financial Manager & Instructor – Kite-Runner Platform (2022–2025)
- DIYALOG in cooperation with International Media Support (IMS), Copenhagen.
- Co-initiated and coordinated a support and networking hub for Afghan professionals in Türkiye.
- Responsible for financial management, budgeting, reporting, and donor compliance.
- Designed and implemented workshops, counselling services, and networking events.
- Managed stakeholder relations with international partners and donors.
Project Management, Communication & Consultancy – Mahalla Festival (2017–2025)
- In cooperation with MagiC Carpets (Creative Europe) and Din l-Art nelwa, Malta.
- Strategic planning and implementation of an international intercultural arts festival.
- Coordinated cross-border artistic residencies and public programs.
- Managed communication strategy, institutional partnerships, and reporting.
Project Manager & Network Partner – DIYALOG / MagiC Carpets (Since 2022)
- Project management and communication for DIYALOG as network partner of a Creative Europe platform.
- Developed international collaborations for emerging artists and community-based art projects.
- Strengthened European cultural exchange frameworks.
Founder & Project Director – InEnArt & StreetWalking (Since
2012)
Founded and directed an Istanbul-based online cultural platform and video magazine under the title InEnArt.
- Funded by the German Federal Foreign Office in partnership with Turkish cultural institutions.
- Built platform, reaching up to 15,000 unique monthly visitors.
- Responsible for editorial direction, funding acquisition, and media production.
Founder & Secretary General – DIYALOG (Since 2006)
- Co-founded independent intercultural association promoting artistic exchange.
- Responsible for strategic development, fundraising, and international partnerships.
- Oversaw projects funded by European and German public institutions.
Lecturer – Istanbul Bilgi University (1999–2003)
- Taught ‘Designing for Hypermedia’ in the Department of Communication.
- Focused on digital media and visual communication.
Curatorial & Project Management Experience
- Curatorial Management – 47th Venice Biennale (1997).
- Project Management – documenta IX, Kassel (1991–1992).
- Project Management – Zeitgeist-Gesellschaft Berlin (1990–1991).
- Senior Art Director – Office of Prof. Jürg Steiner, Berlin (1995–1996).
Fellowships
- PS1 Fellowship, New York (1993–1994) – Supported by Berlin Senate for Cultural Affairs.
- Istanbul Fellowship (1998) – Supported by Berlin Senate for Cultural Affairs.
Education
- Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Kunsthochschule Kassel (1978–1986).
- High School Diploma, Heinz-Berggruen-Gymnasium Berlin (1978).