Istanbul, Türkiye – 21 April 2025, In celebration of World Art Day, Bahçeşehir University’s Departments of International Trade and Business and Economics and Finance, in collaboration with CIFAL Istanbul, brought together students, academics, and creatives for an enriching event exploring the intersection between art and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Participants visited the Mona Art Gallery, where Architect Sena Özgürcan guided attendees through a curated selection of artworks related to sustainability. The exhibition featured distinguished Turkish painters and sculptors whose pieces addressed themes such as ecological balance, urban transformation, and climate responsibility. Through open discussion, students and guests reflected on the connections between these works and various SDGs—particularly in terms of awareness, emotional engagement, and long-term impact. Among the highlights was Dear Sinan Balta’s watercolor series “Spring in Istanbul,” which provided a poetic and vivid interpretation of urban seasonality and local environmental heritage.
The program concluded with a field visit to Kuzguncuk Orchard, where Prof. Ahu Ergen, Head of the International Trade and Business Department, introduced students to an exemplary model of urban agriculture. Located in the heart of the city, this orchard allows citizens to engage directly with sustainable living practices, offering a tangible connection between local community empowerment and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Finally, a dialogue between CIFAL Istanbul and Mona Art Gallery explored future collaborative opportunities to further integrate art into sustainability initiatives. The event reaffirmed the profound potential of creative disciplines not only to communicate complex global challenges, but also to mobilize communities, inspire action, and contribute meaningfully to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.