2015 » Turkey » Section of Countries and Regions

Curator:	Evcimen Perçin
Authors of Theme:	Evcimen Perçin
Designer / Architect of exhibition:	Evcimen Perçin
Institution:	Turkish OISTAT Center

Music&Politics – A Homage to a Building Once the House of Art and Music, Atatürk Cultural Center

Many times, some buildings are identified with some branches of art. Since opening in 1969, the Atatürk Cultural Center had been Turkey’s most important and prestigious center for opera, ballet and music. A distinguished example of Turkish modernism, its huge building glittered as an art temple in the heart of Istanbul for nearly 40 years until 2008, when it was evacuated and deserted. Since then, condemned to an early death as a victim of particular social and political conditions, the building is awaiting its end in deadly silence and darkness. Therefore, we dedicate this exhibition to the Atatürk Cultural Center as homage to a house which served the Turkish opera and ballet for nearly 40 years; and also to the artists and art lovers who created and shared the joy of art and music under its roof. In this respect, we decided to present three prominent opera designers whose names are closely associated with the Atatürk Cultural Center and who spent many years of their careers on its stages. On the other hand, our exhibition can also be read as a documentary as a reminder and recognition of the Atatürk Cultural Center’s great contribution to the art of opera and ballet in Turkey. Aside from the displays of scenic designs, displays of other documents, architectural plans and photographs, it will help to tell the story of this very significant period.