Creativity “Capsule” in Izmir

Launched under the leadership of Izmir University of Economics (IUE) with the goal of turning the Aegean Region into a center for creative industries, the Create in Izmir project is hosted a major gathering themed “Past, Present, Future.” The event, titled “Create in Izmir EXPO Capsule,” took place at the Historical Gasworks Factory, in partnership with Izmir Foundation, Aegean Young Businessmen Association (EGIAD), and Izmir Development Agency (IZKA), supported by the Ministry of Industry and Technology. Hosting various panel sessions, film and documentary screenings, and exhibitions, the event welcomed internationally renowned figures, who have achieved significant work globally, as speakers, sharing their knowledge and experience with the people of Izmir.

The event was attended by Izmir Metropolitan Mayor and Chair of Izmir Foundation Dr. Cemil Tugay, IUE Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu, Ministry of Industry and Technology EU and Foreign Relations Directorate Project Management Department Head Abdülkadir Güventürk, and EGIAD Chair Muhlis Kaan Özhelvacı, IUE Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Aslı Ceylan Öner, Izmir Chamber of Commerce Assembly Vice President Mehmet Tahir Özdemir, and Secretary General Prof. Dr. Mustafa Tanyeri.

“IZMIR WILL BE THE ACTOR OF CHANGE”

Speaking at the event, Dr. Cemil Tugay touched upon the importance of innovation and creativity, stating that change must first begin in public institutions. Tugay said, “As a municipality in Izmir, we are trying to establish a new understanding of governance. The public sector must be an actor that works, produces, and designs together with creative people. I would like to say that the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality will not just be a spectator, but one of the key actors in the mental transformation process that I believe will lead Izmir to success.”

“WE MUST LOOK WITH A MINDSET THAT CONNECTS THE PAST TO THE PRESENT”

Mayor Tugay continued as follows: “We are addressing the question of what we can do regarding the future of our city. We must first consider how exactly we should position creativity. Is this a public duty? Or is it actually a culture that society should possess? The answer to this needs to be given. We need to create a culture around innovation and creativity. When defining a place, a group of people, or a location, we must know that it has a history. We must look with a mindset that connects the past to the present. But there will also be a future, and we must decide on that, too.”

“IT WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR YOUNG TALENTS”

Stating that the Create in Izmir EXPO project offers a unique platform that brings together the city’s creative energy, production culture, talents, stories, and hopes for the future, Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Hakan Abacıoğlu said: “The project, which our University has undertaken the coordination of, was implemented to strengthen Izmir’s cultural and industrial potential. This project highlights the capacity for growth and development within Izmir’s creative ecosystem. The Create in Izmir project is precisely why it is a long-term investment in the city's future. We sincerely believe that the Create in Izmir EXPO will boost our city’s profile in the creative economy at both the national and international level, inspire new collaborations, and pave the way for creative entrepreneurs, designers, and young talents.”

“CREATIVE ECONOMY EFFORTS WILL INCREASE”

Summarizing the steps taken to support creative industries, Abdulkadir Güventürk said, “We aim to increase creative products and services. We will share concrete outcomes within the scope of the Create in Izmir EXPO. As is known, while our ministry works in organized industrial zones and industrial regions, we also support technology development and design centers. We believe that creative economy efforts will increase in Izmir.”

EMPHASIS ON ‘MODEL PROJECT’

EGIAD Chair Kaan Özhelvacı, said: “We are here today for a project that is shaping the future of Izmir. This event is opening doors for new industries in Izmir. As EGIAD, we have been striving to train the business people of the future for 35 years. Creative industries are the strongest drivers of Izmir’s sustainable development. We sincerely believe that this project is a model effort.”

“A NEW BEGINNING FOR IZMIR”

Dr. Gözde Çeviker, Director of the Creative Economy Center at Izmir University of Economics, gave a presentation providing information about the project, delivering the message that the project is “A new beginning for Izmir.” A film screening about "Create in Izmir" was also shown at the meeting.