Call for CSCD Young Artists Forum Istanbul 2026 is open now!!
The Young Artists Forum – Istanbul, organized by the Center for Strategy and Cultural Diplomacy (CSCD), is an inclusive international platform for artists, students, and scholars. Rooted in Istanbul’s unique position as a bridge between civilizations, the forum brings together emerging creative leaders to explore how art intersects with strategy, culture, peacebuilding, and power in the 21st century.
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The forum will be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from February 15 to February 17, 2026, with selected activities starting earlier in February. The duration of the main event is three days. Through critical dialogue, artistic exchange, and interdisciplinary engagement, the forum encourages participants to rethink global challenges beyond conventional frameworks—positioning art not only as expression, but as strategy, diplomacy, and transformative action toward a resilient global future.
Core Modules are
- Art and Geopolitical Resilience: Building borderless networks and encrypted strategies for creative survival. Practical strategies for making and showing work when borders close, galleries cancel, and institutions look away.
- Art, Literature and Spirituality: Transmuting ancient mysticism into contemporary, lived artistic experience. Exploring the continuing dialogue between image, word and the unseen — from Sufi calligraphy and Rumi’s verses to contemporary mystical poetry and sacred geometry.
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1. Youth Opportunities: https://m.me/j/AbZTmgEzD1UchDte/
2. Fully Funded Conferences: https://m.me/j/AbZTfhFTiPCnXf2D/
3. Full Scholarships: https://m.me/j/AbbrjbkOMM6I68Cs/
4. Paid Internships/Jobs: https://m.me/j/AbaAskb6jFFnRser/
5. Circle: https://m.me/j/AbY0vVKSPJULUnE4/
- Istanbul at the Time of the European Renaissance (1453–1600): Reigniting the century when Italian masters worked alongside Persian miniaturists and Armenian illuminators inside the same palace walls. Participants enter Topkapı ateliers and Sinan’s building yards to revive forgotten techniques and reimagine this explosive moment of cross-continental creativity for the 21st century.
- Asian and European Symbolism – Hidden Languages: Decoding and remixing the shared symbolic vocabulary that travelled the Silk Road: lotus, griffin, double-headed eagle, tulip, phoenix, and dragon.
- Is Art Political? A deliberate confrontation. Can art ever be neutral? Should it be? Through debates, manifestos, and immediate public actions
- The Middle Eastern Renaissance – Past and Future: From 9th-century Baghdad’s House of Wisdom to 16th-century Istanbul and Safavid Isfahan, the Islamic civilizations led global advances in science, philosophy and beauty.
Location:
TurkeyBenefits
- 5 Fully Funded Seats: Covering forum expenses such as event merchandise, meals, accommodation, and additional perks, including travel support
- 15 Partially Funded Seats: Covering 50% of the convention fee for selected participants
- One outstanding participant will be selected as the Ideal Strategist and will receive a special opportunity to work with CSCD on future projects
- Certificate of participation
- International networking with young artists and cultural leaders
- Global exposure through an international platform in Istanbul
Eligibilities
- Must be between age 16-45 years old
- Students, graduates, professionals, and independent artists in art, culture, writing, research, or related creative fields can apply.
- No specific academic background required — all educational and professional backgrounds are welcome.
- Applicants should show a genuine interest in art, culture, creativity, public diplomacy, or global issues.
- Ability to communicate in English (the working language of the forum) is expected.
- Must be available to attend the full duration of the forum in Istanbul (Feb 15–17, 2026)
Application Process
Apply through the given ‘Apply Link’
Application Deadline: January 12, 2026 (2 Days Remaining)
Apply nowOfficial link
