An alternative model proposal of an association for private cultural institutions in Istanbul

The subject of this research is to determine the problems of the private cultural institutions in Istanbul and to model an alternative association for these institutions. Especially the lack of well-established cultural policies, scarcity of public funding, the limited number of civil societies and their limited influence on policy making, the deficiencies in the legal areas and the lack of communication between the private cultural institutions and the local authorities and government are some of the major problems. These issues are resulted as relatively low number of private institutions on cultural field in Istanbul and the low level of demand for their activities when comparing to other metropoles. That indicates a need for a research to enhance the current situation. The examples of associations which are seen abroad led to a decision to propose a similar model that can work for Istanbul. The scope of the research was limited by the private cultural institutions which differ from the public alternatives in managerial and financial aspects. As Istanbul has the leading role in cultural life and contains the vast majority of the cultural institutions in Turkey, the study of an association will be modelled for Istanbul. The study will begin with analyzing the neo-liberal cultural policies that pave the way for development of the private cultural institutions in the world and in Istanbul. The evolution of these institutions and the cultural life in Istanbul will be explored as a whole. The current situation of the cultural environment, the problems and needs will be determined and the laws and regulations concerning cultural policies will be discussed accordingly. Some successful examples of associations from other fields and in the cultural field will be examined to serve as a model. Meetings with an expert focus group have been arranged to get their opinion of a potential association and interviews made with the presidents of current associations. And in the view of such information, the most effective potential model will be presented with its future benefits to the institutions and cultural life.