CSCD Young Artists Forum – Istanbul
Where Young Voices Reclaim Art History, Spirituality and Power
Application Deadline: 12 January 2026
Global transformations through art
Bringing together young artists, cultural thinkers, and scholars
Art as Strategy, Culture as Power
Nurturing a new generation of artist-strategists
Collective Resilience Through Creative Practice
Empowering participants to build resilience—personal, cultural, and societal
About the Forum
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.
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.
WHERE IS THE EVENT :
Istanbul, Turkiye
WHEN IS THE EVENT :
February 15 - 17, 2026
CONVENTION FEATURES
For Ambassadors
The forum enables ambassadors to engage with emerging cultural voices shaping global narratives. It strengthens cultural diplomacy through direct dialogue, people-to-people exchange, and insight into how youth interpret geopolitics, identity, and power beyond formal policy spaces.
For Artists
The forum offers artists a platform to create, collaborate, and gain visibility while accessing networks, funding, and global perspectives. It empowers them to position their practice within wider cultural, political, and spiritual conversations.
SCHEDULE DETAILS
CORE MODULES
15TH FEB
SUNDAY
16TH FEB
MONDAY
17TH FEB
TUESDAY
1. 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. Participants build encrypted networks, solidarity funds, and borderless exhibition models that keep art moving no matter the political weather.
2. 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. Young artists and writers co-create hybrid works that treat spirituality as lived experience, not heritage cliché.
3. Istanbul at the Time of the European Renaissance (1453–1600)
Reigniting the explosive cross-cultural collaboration of the Ottoman Golden Age.
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.
4. Asian and European Symbolism – Hidden Languages
Decoding and remixing the shared visual alphabet of the Silk Road.
Decoding and remixing the shared symbolic vocabulary that travelled the Silk Road: lotus, griffin, double-headed eagle, tulip, phoenix, and dragon. A visual laboratory where East and West are no longer opposites but overlapping alphabets.
5. Is Art Political?
Confronting the limits of neutrality and the power of protest aesthetics.
A deliberate confrontation: Can art ever be neutral? Should it be? Through debates, manifestos, and immediate public actions, participants test the limits of protest aesthetics, institutional critique, and art as direct political speech in today’s authoritarian climate.
6. The Middle Eastern Renaissance – Past and Future
Reclaiming the legacy of the House of Wisdom to map a radical, decolonial 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. Young creators reclaim this legacy, mapping a new Middle Eastern renaissance driven by ecology, technology, feminism and decolonial thought.
Art and Diplomacy Are No Longer Separate Conversations
Art is not neutral. It is Political.
Influence flows through images, memory, and meaning. Art is the new geopolitical prerequisite. It is the Artist's Dilemma; speaking truth to power while dependent on power.Â
It negotiates identity, contests power, and shapes perception. It is cultural statecraft.
To engage in diplomacy today is to understand that art is political — and power is perceptual.
Art offers a unique space for dialogue: it is simultaneously local and universal, personal and political, emotional and intellectual. The Young Artists Forum recognizes that aesthetic experience may be one of our most powerful tools for building the empathy and understanding necessary for effective global cooperation.Â
PRICING TABLE
PARTICIPATION CATEGORIES
FULLY FUNDED
$16.99
Per Person
- Forum Invitation Letter
- Meals during the forum
- Accommodation for 3 Nights
- Airfare Support
- YAF Personalized Merchandise
- Youth Statements & Interventions
- Community of Public Diplomats
- Certificate of participation
- Opportunity for Internship at CSCD
- Opportunity to teach with us
- Country Representative of YAF
- Opportunity to Exhibit Your Work
SELF FUNDED
$650
Per Person
- Forum Invitation Letter
- Meals during the Forum
- Accommodation for 3 Nights
- YAF Personalized Merchandise
- Youth Statements & Interventions
- Community of Public Diplomats
- Certificate of participation
- Opportunity for Internship at CSCD
- Opportunity to teach with us
- Country Representative of YAF
- Opportunity to Exhibit Your Work
CONVENTION ACCESS
$250
Per Person
- Forum Invitation Letter
- Meals during the forum
- YAF Personalized Merchandise
- Youth Statements & Interventions
- Community of Public Diplomats
- Certificate of participation
- Opportunity for Internship at CSCD
- Opportunity to teach with us
- Country Representative of YAF
- Opportunity to Exhibit Your Work
EVENT GALLERY
COLLECTION OF IMAGES FROM RECENT HAPPENINGS!!
Discover highlights from our latest events, projects, and community initiatives. This curated gallery showcases the people, places, and moments that shape our work. Stay connected with the ongoing impact and vibrant activities at The CSCD.
OUR TESTIMONIAL
WHAT OUR VISITOR'S SAY ?
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Frequently Asked Questions
The participation fee for the Young Artists Forum Istanbul is just $16.99 USD. This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. If you are not selected for the funded category due to the competitive evaluation or are unable to attend as a self-funded participant, we have an exciting alternative for you. To ensure you still benefit from our expertise and network, our classes feature a diverse cohort with approximately 20 nationalities in each batch. You will have the opportunity to enroll in our exclusive 6-10 week virtual programs on public diplomacy, identities, public service relations, art, philosophy, and politics. These programs, valued at over $250 USD, are taught by young scholars and offer tremendous value, providing a rich and engaging learning experience that will significantly enhance your knowledge and skills in these critical areas. Learn more about our institute.
The Self-Funded Fee of $650 USD covers comprehensive benefits, including event merchandise, a certificate of participation, access to all modules, workshops, networking sessions, and summit materials. It also encompasses accommodation, meals, sightseeing, and a complete summit experience in Istanbul ensuring a holistic and enriching participation.
Yes, financial assistance is available to support participants. YAF offers various opportunities, including five fully funded slots covering all forum expenses such as event merchandise, meals, accommodation, and additional perks like travel support. Additionally, 15 partially funded slots covering 50% of the convention fee are available. An outstanding participant will be designated as the Ideal Strategist, receiving an endorsement to work with CSCD.
To apply for fully funded or partially funded opportunities, express your interest during the registration process and submit necessary documentation demonstrating your alignment with the conventions’s objectives. Selection criteria emphasize merit and commitment.
Airfare support is provided to the funding holders based on criteria. As a social enterprise, we strive to maintain equilibrium, ensuring authenticity in both our merit system and program delivery.
The participation fee is non-refundable, although participants with self-funded opportunities may receive specific cancellation terms communicated individually. Applicants are encouraged to review terms and conditions prior to submission.
Participants selected for funded categories will enjoy comprehensive benefits outlined for each category, including event merchandise, a certificate of participation, meals, accommodation, travel support and any specified additional benefits.
Transfers of registration to another individual are generally not permitted. Exceptions may be considered based on individual circumstances. For assistance, please contact our dedicated registration team.
Stay informed about coonvention updates, announcements, and real-time changes by regularly visiting our official website and following our official social media channels.
For any additional inquiries or assistance, our dedicated convention support team is available via Contact@thecscd.org or through the contact form on the official website. We are committed to providing assistance throughout your convention journey.
No, on-site payments are not accepted. The participation fee must be settled upon registration confirmation and is non-refundable. All participants, including those granted funding, must complete registration and payment beforehand.
Applicants for the YAF Istanbul must be aged 16-45, including students and professionals passionate about public diplomacy. Candidates should demonstrate innovative ideas and a commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration with CSCD.
Past Collaborations






GET IN TOUCH
CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Have questions? Reach out to us at contact@thecscd.org
EVENT VENUE :
Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai
LOCATION ADDRESS :
Madina Avenues Shop 17A - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
