FLAGSHIP PROGRAMMES
National Network
Türkiye
Address
Osmanağa Mah. Halitağa Cad. Vahap Bey Sok. Yıldırım İş Hanı No: 17 D: 15City
IstanbulStreet address 2
KadıköyMobile Phone
+905531997481Telephone
+90 553 199 74 81Website
Click HereYear of Establishment
2018Contact Person1
Ayşe Göksenin TuncalıJob Title 1
President of the BoardContact Person 2
Dr. Selen YanmazJob Title 2
Board MemberOrganisation Type
Public/Private Non-Profit FoundationFields of Activity
Arts, Gender, International/Cultural relationsGeneral Information
Blues Derneği is Türkiye's first and only association dedicated to blues music. Operating entirely on a volunteer basis, it has a board of 7 members and over 25 regular volunteers. Its annual budget varies depending on project grants, Erasmus+ funding, annual membership fees, and donations, with budget for the past year being 642,439.82 TL (2023). The organization organizes concerts, festivals, workshops, jam sessions, and visibility events for young and female artists, alongside international cultural exchanges. Blues Derneği works closely with European art-focused civil society organizations, especially those included in the Roots&Routes International Network.
Mission and Objectives
Blues Derneği's mission is to promote and expand the presence of blues music in Türkiye, while also fostering cultural exchange and collaboration across a wide range of artistic disciplines. Our aim is to increase the audience for blues music and support local musicians by providing a platform through concerts, festivals, workshops, and visibility campaigns. In addition to blues, we encourage participation in various artistic fields, supporting cross-cultural collaborations and exchanges with artists globally. We strive to strengthen connections between Turkish artists and international artistic communities, offering resources, mentorship, and creative guidance to support their projects. By providing funding, communication channels, and promotional opportunities, Blues Derneği nurtures and sustains artistic endeavors that inspire and engage diverse audiences. We are also committed to bridging generations of musicians and artists, fostering intergenerational dialogue to ensure the transfer of skills, knowledge, and passion. Empowering women in the blues and broader artistic scene is a core focus, advocating for gender equality and visibility through campaigns, workshops, and performance opportunities. Our objectives include promoting blues music and increasing its audience in Türkiye, enhancing the professional development of local artists, fostering international collaborations, supporting a wide range of artistic projects, empowering women, and advocating for the recognition of artists both nationally and internationally.
Main Projects / Activities
Since its foundation in 2018, the association has achieved over 600 individual stage performances, 32 concerts, and 35 workshops. It has also completed 8 Erasmus+ international youth art exchange projects, supported young artists, and conducted campaigns to promote local talent.
Roots & Routes Experience: Multidisciplinary art camps that support young artists across Europe, culminating in performances. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and collaboration, engaging with arts organizations from 10 European countries through Erasmus+.
OASES for Change: An Erasmus+ project aimed at developing tools for international youth art exchanges, promoting creativity, and building cross-cultural connections through artistic collaborations.
Women in Blues Campaigns: A series of visibility projects for women musicians, including workshops, concerts, and special performances for International Women's Day, focusing on enhancing women's presence in the blues and broader music scene.
Blues Education: Instrument training, and online outreach via platforms like Spotify and YouTube, aimed at increasing blues music education and accessibility. Initiatives such as “Blues Challenge” and “Sahneye Çık” campaigns provide visibility for local artists.
Pandemic Solidarity: Online events and resources that supported musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the continuation of musical activity despite global challenges.
Other notable activities include supporting the establishment of Blues clubs at Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) and Marmara University. Blues Derneği also contributed to two projects with the Civil Society Development Center (STGM), including the Civil Voices Festival and the Karikafilm project. With over 200 social media activities and the creation of local resources via Blues Derneği's blog and YouTube, the association has made significant strides in promoting blues music and supporting musicians during the pandemic and beyond.
Blues Derneği’s mission and vision have been further recognized with the 2023 Keeping the Blues Alive Award from the American Blues Foundation, highlighting the organization's efforts to create a vibrant blues community and promote global artistic exchange focusing on young artists.
How can you contribute to the Network in your country?
Blues Derneği can contribute to the Anna Lindh Foundation Network in Türkiye by leveraging our experience in fostering cultural exchange, particularly through art and music. Since our founding in 2018, we have facilitated 8 Erasmus+ youth art projects involving countries across Europe, engaging young artists in cross-border collaborations and creating a platform for intercultural dialogue. We aim to strengthen these connections by promoting collaborations between Turkish artists and international communities, empowering youth through artistic expression. Additionally, we have organized over 30 concerts, workshops, and social media campaigns that support local talent and highlight underrepresented groups, such as women musicians, contributing to a more inclusive cultural landscape. By joining the ALF Network, we can further amplify these efforts, sharing knowledge and collaborating on initiatives that promote social responsibility, inclusion, and cross-cultural understanding in Türkiye.
Why do you want to join the ALF Network?
We want to join the Anna Lindh Foundation Network to enhance our mission of promoting intercultural dialogue, inclusivity, and social justice. As an organization committed to empowering young artists and musicians, we believe the ALF Network provides an invaluable platform for international collaboration and the exchange of knowledge. We are particularly excited to engage with like-minded organizations that focus on fostering social responsibility and advancing cultural dialogue through artistic initiatives. The ALF Network offers a unique opportunity to expand our impact beyond national borders, sharing our experiences in youth empowerment, cross-cultural collaborations, and promoting gender equality in music. By joining, we aim to contribute to the network’s vision while benefiting from the collective expertise and diverse perspectives of its members, allowing us to strengthen our work in Türkiye and globally.