Main areas of work related to the Convention:
Mim Sanat Association (MİMSANAT) has developed extensive activities aimed at safeguarding intangible cultural heritage (ICH), particularly in the fields of traditional arts and Turkish classical music, with a strong focus on disadvantaged children.
One of the association’s flagship initiatives is the S.E.S Project (Sanat–Eğitim–Spor / Art–Education–Sports), launched in 2017. The project provides free non-formal education in traditional arts such as miniature painting (UNESCO Representative List 2019), illumination (tezhip, 2022), marbling (ebru, 2014), paper cutting (katı), and Turkish Makam Music. Workshops organized under this project follow the master-apprentice model, ensuring intergenerational transmission of traditional knowledge and skills.
MİMSANAT also established the TACET Ensemble, dedicated to introducing Turkish Makam Music to young musicians. Turkish Makam Music, an oral tradition and complex musical system, constitutes a vital part of Türkiye’s intangible cultural heritage, deeply rooted in historical and cultural memory. By supporting its transmission and practice, MİMSANAT actively contributes to safeguarding both traditional performing arts and oral expressions. The TACET Ensemble has performed at prestigious venues such as Cemal Reşit Rey Concert Hall and Dolmabahçe Palace, increasing public awareness of these living traditions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, MİMSANAT organized events such as the international online symposium and exhibition commemorating the 150th anniversary of Tanbûrî Cemil Bey, ensuring the uninterrupted documentation and promotion of Turkish classical music.The association organizes exhibitions such as the "Children’s Voice" series at ITO Hünkar Kasrı, highlighting the creative talents of children in traditional arts. These exhibitions serve as platforms for visibility, public engagement, and the revitalization of heritage practices among younger generations.
Extending its work across Türkiye, MİMSANAT organized traditional arts exhibitions and workshops in Edirne, focusing on miniature painting, illumination, and marbling. These events fostered the revitalization of endangered crafts in collaboration with local artisans. In Izmir, an exhibition of children's works was held within the scope of the S.E.S project for the 100th anniversary of Republic of Türkiye. An exhibition was held in the fields of tezhip, miniature, kati' and painting, a concert was given and workshops were held. MİMSANAT maintains strong collaborations with municipalities, public institutions, and cultural organizations, particularly during national celebrations like the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Türkiye.
The association adopts a community-centered safeguarding methodology, ensuring that tradition bearers, artisans, and communities are actively involved in project planning, implementation, and evaluation.
Through these multi-layered activities, MİMSANAT demonstrates a strong capacity to offer advisory services to the Intergovernmental Committee, fully aligned with the principles and objectives of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Objectives
Mim Sanat Association (MİMSANAT) is a non-profit civil society organization that operates in the fields of traditional arts and traditional music, both of which are key elements of intangible cultural heritage, aiming to promote equal access to cultural and artistic life for disadvantaged and underprivileged children.
The association seeks to cultivate generations who are deeply rooted in the richness of intangible cultural heritage, can think on a universal scale, represent their society in the best possible way, and contribute to social harmony and peace.
One of the core objectives of the association is to identify and nurture the artistic talents of children under state protection or from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to connect these talents with the values of cultural heritage passed down through centuries, and to support the development of future generations who will carry this legacy forward and represent the nation at a high level in cultural platforms.
Mim Sanat Association focuses on promoting cultural, artistic, and educational activities; supporting disadvantaged children in the field of art education; raising awareness of cultural heritage; and enabling these children to transform their artistic skills into viable professional paths for the future.
The association conducts all its activities in accordance with national laws and regulations. Its activities are open to the benefit of the public at large and are not limited to any specific region, group, or class.
Cooperation
Mim Sanat Association (MİMSANAT) places community-based collaboration and participatory approaches at the center of its safeguarding activities. The association actively cooperates with traditional art practitioners, local communities, educators, and municipal institutions to ensure the sustainable transmission of intangible cultural heritage.
Through its S.E.S (Sanat–Eğitim–Spor) Project, MİMSANAT works closely with public schools, children's homes, and municipal cultural centers, providing disadvantaged children with access to traditional arts and music education. Instructors include recognized masters such as Nilgün Gencer (miniature art) and Dürdane Ünver (paper-cutting art/katı’), designated as Living Human Treasures of Türkiye in 2024. Their involvement ensures that transmission is rooted in authentic traditional knowledge systems.
MİMSANAT also collaborates with local authorities such as municipalities and cultural directorates to organize exhibitions, workshops, and public performances that highlight community participation. Events such as the "Children’s Voice" exhibitions, the "Tribute to the Masters" workshops, and activities held at the İzmir Culture and Art Factory and Edirne Municipal Cultural Centers exemplify these partnerships.
In all its projects, practitioners are not only participants but also active agents in the design and implementation of activities. Projects are co-created based on respect for local knowledge systems, traditional artistic expressions, and community values.
MİMSANAT’s participatory safeguarding approach empowers communities, fosters intergenerational dialogue, and promotes cultural diversity. By involving tradition bearers in all stages of planning, implementation, and evaluation, MİMSANAT demonstrates a strong capacity for effective collaboration, fully aligned with Paragraph 91(d) of the Operational Directives for the Implementation of the 2003 Convention.
