A Shared Space for Creativity: Reflecting on the 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition
The 8th edition of the annual showcase marks a strategic shift with the launch of the Turkish Art Platform (TAP), blending community spirit with professional ambition.
By TB Magazine Editorial Team
Since its inception in 2019, the Turkish Community Art Exhibition has evolved into a vital fixture of London’s cultural landscape. As Turkish British Magazine, we have had the privilege of following this journey for eight years, documenting the growth of the UK’s Turkish-speaking creative diaspora. On 10 February, we returned to the Yunus Emre Institute London to witness the latest chapter in this ongoing narrative.
Bridging the Professional and the Personal
The exhibition’s strength has always been its “shared platform” model, where 55 selected artists—ranging from emerging talents to established professionals—display their work side-by-side.
A notable example of this professional synergy is Banu Bal, a ceramic artist and academic whose participation reflects the high standards the exhibition continues to attract. As a professional associated with the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), her presence—alongside that of her colleagues at the opening—underscores the increasing visibility of Turkish artists within the UK’s premier cultural institutions.
The Launch of the Turkish Art Platform (TAP)
This year’s opening was particularly significant as it marked the official launch of the Turkish Art Platform (TAP). Building on the foundation of the annual exhibition, TAP is a long-term initiative designed to support Turkish artistic production in the UK and strengthen ties with international networks. It is a move that signals a transition from a yearly event toward a sustainable, year-round infrastructure for the arts.
A Multidisciplinary Opening
The evening was curated to be a multidisciplinary experience. Beyond the visual arts, guests were treated to a short recital by London-based musician Ozan Baysal, who performed selected pieces from his newly released album, Tel ve Ten. The performance added a layer of contemporary sonic texture to a gallery filled with 71 works across painting, photography, and digital art.
The selection process was overseen by a distinguished jury, whose expertise ensured a balanced and high-quality showcase. We would like to acknowledge:
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Assoc. Prof. Dr Hasan Ulusoy (Ambassador and Consul General of the Republic of Türkiye in London)
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Dr Mehmet Karakuş (Director of Yunus Emre Institute London)
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Sümer Erek, Dilara Karaağaç, and Ali Haydar Yeşilyurt.
The selected artists for this year’s exhibition include:
Abdullah Yusuf, Adam Turk, Alisher İlkhamov, Aslı Shehi, Aylya Ahmedova, Ayşe Akay, Banu Bal, Banu Rezzan Phillips, Barış Uçar, Begüm Malkoçlar, Berrin Kapusuz, Betül Aydın, Bülent Coşkun, Burçak Kafadar, Candan Olcay, Ceyda Konuralp, Demet Tokbay, Elmas Büyükmumcu, Emel Sevinç, Emre Gökyiğit, Esma Ceylan, Fatma Karaer, Ferhat Koyun, Funda Ayhan, Gültekin Uzuner, Gülüstan Arslan, Hatice Önder Kalaycı, Hilal Argun, Ilkay King, Kübra Topal, Memed Türkmen, Meral Şahin, Mine Bayar, Muhsin Adalı, Naile Perolli, Nermin Güney Tarakçı, Nevena Akyol, Nilgün Baklacı, Nurcan Erkoçak Yasin, Nurdan Kocasoy, Onur Orkut, Orkun Türkbeyler, Özlem Thompson, Recep Yıldırım, Refie Nuredin Rufi, Salime Aslan, Sevim Çakır, Shakib Rahman, Sümeyra Ocak Ahmed, Tanjila Jahan, Tanya Harrison, Terry Katalan, Tuğçe Thompson, Zahra Bachoo, and Zeynep Doğan.
A Milestone for Continuity
As long-term observers, we see this 8th edition as more than just an exhibition; it is a “living space” of collective memory. With the introduction of TAP and the continued participation of high-calibre professionals alongside community enthusiasts, the project is successfully balancing inclusivity with artistic rigour.
The 8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition remains open to the public at the Yunus Emre Institute until 10 March 2026. For those following the Turkish-British art scene, it remains an essential stop.
8th Turkish Community Art Exhibition
