Independent
Artist Network
panel
Eskisehir
The first meeting of the Eskişehir Independent Artists Network aimed to create a platform for encounter, solidarity, and knowledge sharing among independent artists, cultural and artistic workers, and various actors in the field. Through the event titled "The Artist's Galaxy Guide," structural problems encountered by artists in their production processes, rights-based approaches, and alternative forms of organization were discussed. Simultaneously, it provided guiding content on practical knowledge in the field, covering topics such as residency programs, application documents, portfolio preparation, and artist statement writing. This meeting sought a collective response to the need for organization, while sowing the seeds of lasting forms of interaction for independent art production in Eskişehir.
Artist's Guide to the Galaxy
The first meeting of the Eskişehir Independent Artists Network, held on November 23-24, 2024, served as a reminder of the power of solidarity between communities. The event began on Saturday, November 23rd, at Kentpark with a program titled "The Artist's Guide to the Galaxy," moderated by Saliha Yavuz.
Contents
This meeting, consisting of two sessions, included discussions enriched with case studies on actors, roles, and the rights of artists in the field of culture and arts in the first session (13:00–15:00). The second session (15:30–16:30) focused on practical application of important topics for artists, such as artist residency programs, portfolio preparation, artist statements, and application documents.
Core - Eskişehir
For us at Paper People Project, participating in this first meeting, sharing collective memory, and coming together on the same platform with independent cultural and artistic actors was transformative. Speaking about our rights as artists and cultural producers, sharing our experiences, and thinking together are fundamental building blocks for creating a sustainable space.
Where to from here?
On Sunday, November 24th, we gathered again at Kentpark and participated in the online meeting titled “Where From Here? Forum 11 – Organizing in the Field of Culture and Arts: Needs, Expectations and Potentials” using a collective viewing method.
We listened together to the report and analysis presented by the 'Where From Here?' organizing committee regarding organization in the field of culture and arts, and then we tried to redefine our needs by opening a space for collective discussion.
At Paper People Project, we view encounters like these not only as opportunities for knowledge exchange but also as the construction of a shared vision for the future. We will continue to show solidarity, create together, and exist independently.
All together
The participating organizations in the event, Eldem Art Space, Pavyon Art, Co-Operative Art, Opus.XI, Buşone Fanzine, Online Art Space, Bidon and Paper People Project, represent different aspects of independent art.
They came together.
