The Istanbul Intercultural Art Dialogues Association (İKASD) is a non-profit non-governmental organization established in 2012 with the aim of contributing to the development of culturally aware, creative and globally minded generations that value science and the arts; supporting the safeguarding, continuity and transmission of cultural heritage to future generations; and fostering lasting dialogue and cooperation among societies through culture and the arts. İKASD carries out activities dedicated to the research, documentation, safeguarding and promotion of Türkiye’s cultural and artistic heritage, while enhancing its visibility on international platforms.
By approaching traditional cultural and artistic values through contemporary and interdisciplinary perspectives, the Association seeks to establish sustainable connections between cultural heritage and contemporary artistic practices. The Association develops and implements national and international exhibitions, cultural and artistic projects, festivals, concerts, symposiums, conferences, panels, educational programmes, as well as research, publication and documentation initiatives. İKASD collaborates with museums, universities, public institutions, cultural and artistic organizations, civil society organizations, academics and artists; brings together Turkish and international artists through collaborative projects; and supports the engagement of younger generations in international cultural and artistic exchange.
While promoting Turkish culture and art internationally, İKASD also brings different cultures together in Türkiye, creating platforms for intercultural dialogue that enable societies to know and understand one another more closely. The Association considers education, cultural awareness, the transmission of cultural heritage to different segments of society, and the strengthening of international cooperation through culture and the arts among its principal areas of activity. İKASD is an accredited non-governmental organization under the UNESCO 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Year of accreditation: 2026
Main domain(s) of the ngo’s activities: Oral traditions and expressions, Performing arts, Social practices, rituals and festive events, Knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe, Traditional craftsmanship
Main safeguarding measures: a) identification, documentation, research (including inventory-making), b) preservation, protection, c) promotion, enhancement, d) transmission, (non-) formal education, e) revitalization
Main country where the NGO works: Turkey
