Main areas of work related to the Convention:
The Eastern Culture and Art Center Association (DKSM) has been actively involved in safeguarding intangible cultural heritage through various programs, projects, and collaborations. The organization’s efforts align with its primary objective of enhancing cultural awareness and contributing to the development of culture and arts, particularly in the Eastern Anatolia region.
1. Research and Documentation
DKSM has conducted significant research and documentation projects related to traditional arts, particularly focusing on tile and ceramic art, as well as other regional handicrafts. Over the years, more than 60 participants have been trained in these arts, with a focus on integrating local traditions, such as the Urartian heritage, into contemporary art forms. The association has played a crucial role in ensuring these cultural practices are documented and shared with the public through exhibitions and other outreach programs.
2. Revitalization of Urartian Ceramics
A particularly important project for DKSM is the revitalization of Urartian ceramics. This project aims to bring forgotten Urartian ceramic traditions back to life and showcase them once again. The Urartian ceramic culture, not only found in the Van region but also present in nearby Iran, has been an integral part of the project. Through this initiative, DKSM has successfully utilized the unifying power of culture, strengthening cultural ties between Turkey and Iran. This project not only preserves intangible cultural heritage but also promotes cross-border cultural connection.
3. Education and Training
Education is a core aspect of DKSM’s activities. The association organizes workshops, seminars, and conferences to provide training in traditional crafts, including tile and ceramic arts, miniature painting, and illumination. In collaboration with local institutions and international partners, DKSM offers training sessions that target both young artists and artisans, with a special emphasis on empowering women and marginalized groups. These initiatives contribute to the transmission of skills and knowledge to future generations, ensuring the continuity of intangible cultural heritage.
4. Public Engagement and Awareness
Through events, exhibitions, and collaborations with other cultural organizations, DKSM promotes the visibility of local traditions and ensures that intangible heritage is appreciated within modern contexts. The association’s activities include organizing exhibitions such as the first Tile and Ceramic Art exhibition in Van, which garnered significant local interest and participation. Moreover, DKSM’s involvement in the "City Readings" project has further emphasized the importance of urban culture and its integration with traditional art forms, bringing together hundreds of participants from diverse backgrounds. The association also utilizes digital platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to increase the reach and visibility of its activities.
Collaborations and Partnerships
DKSM has established strong partnerships with various local and international institutions, such as the Van Industrialists and Businesswomen’s Association (VASIKAD) and the Istanbul-based Traditional Arts Association. These collaborations focus on the development of new designs, the marketing of traditional handicrafts, and the digitalization of art forms, ensuring that the cultural heritage of the region remains relevant in today’s economy. Additionally, DKSM's involvement in the City Readings project strengthens its role as a cultural actor in the region and ensures that urban culture is fully integrated with the region’s rich cultural traditions. The association is also working to establish new collaborations focusing on the digitalization of traditional crafts, further ensuring the preservation and revitalization of intangible heritage through innovative technologies.
Objectives
Eastern Culture and Art Center Association (DKSM) is dedicated to the safeguarding, promotion, and transmission of intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in line with UNESCO's 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. The organization’s mission focuses on safeguarding the cultural traditions of Eastern Anatolia, especially in the domains of oral traditions, performing arts, traditional craftsmanship, and community rituals.
DKSM's activities are diverse and interdisciplinary, engaging with local communities, artists, and experts to facilitate cultural exchange and understanding. The association organizes exhibitions, workshops, and public lectures, all aimed at raising awareness about the importance of ICH. One of DKSM’s core initiatives is its commitment to the promotion of local crafts, music, and performing arts, ensuring that traditional skills and practices are safeguarded and passed on to future generations.
Additionally, DKSM places significant emphasis on integrating environmental themes into its cultural initiatives. By organizing discussions on local biodiversity, endemic plants, and sustainable practices, the association connects cultural heritage with ecological knowledge. These activities not only aim to safeguard ICH but also to foster a holistic understanding of heritage as interconnected with both nature and society.
Through its efforts, DKSM actively engages in the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage, building partnerships with local and international entities and contributing to the international dialogue on the importance of cultural diversity and heritage preservation.
Cooperation
Eastern Culture and Art Center Association (DKSM) has built strong, ongoing partnerships with local communities, groups, and practitioners of intangible cultural heritage (ICH). These collaborations are at the core of the organization’s work, as they ensure the active participation of heritage bearers and contribute to the safeguarding of cultural practices in a sustainable and authentic manner.
DKSM actively engages with local artisans, artists, and cultural practitioners who are the bearers of traditional knowledge and skills. By conducting workshops, training programs, and exhibitions, the association facilitates a platform for practitioners to share their expertise and keep these traditions alive. The association's focus on Urartian ceramics, for example, directly involves local artisans in the revitalization process, where the community plays a crucial role in reviving forgotten techniques and integrating them into contemporary forms. This community-based approach ensures that the knowledge and skills passed down through generations are preserved and transmitted to future generations.
Moreover, DKSM places significant importance on cross-border cooperation, especially with neighboring countries such as Iran, where similar cultural practices are found. Through joint initiatives, the association promotes the unifying power of culture, strengthening the ties between the cultural communities of both regions. These projects foster mutual respect and collaboration, emphasizing the shared heritage of both regions while promoting intercultural dialogue.
In addition, DKSM engages in dialogue with local educational institutions and cultural organizations to expand the reach of its safeguarding activities. The association’s collaboration with the Van Industrialists and Businesswomen’s Association (VASIKAD) and the Istanbul-based Traditional Arts Association demonstrates its commitment to empowering local communities by offering educational opportunities and market access for traditional artists.
Through these collaborative efforts, DKSM ensures that the protection and promotion of intangible cultural heritage remain at the heart of its mission, while also supporting the continued practice and transmission of traditional knowledge.
