Sakarya University (SAU) promotes public access to art, cultural heritage, and creative expression through its exhibition spaces, particularly the Art Gallery of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.
The University provides opportunities for members of the wider community, art enthusiasts, students, and researchers to experience artistic and cultural activities through publicly announced exhibitions.
Throughout 2025, the Faculty's Art Gallery and associated exhibition spaces hosted exhibitions featuring painting, ceramics, traditional Turkish arts, textiles, photography, and contemporary design. These events contributed to cultural participation and strengthened interaction between the University and the wider community.
Publicly Accessible Exhibitions in 2025
The University demonstrated its commitment to public cultural access through a series of exhibitions:
Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture Graduation Exhibition (24 June – 2 July 2025)
The 2025 Graduation Exhibition presented works by graduating students from Traditional Turkish Arts, Visual Communication Design, Architecture, Painting, and Ceramics and Glass departments.
The exhibition was held in the Faculty's Art Gallery, workshops, and departmental exhibition areas. Its official announcement explicitly invited all art enthusiasts and members of the public, demonstrating that access was not limited to the university community.
“In Praise of Spring” Weaving Exhibition (5–9 May 2025)
The “Bahara Övgü” Weaving Exhibition presented 36 original textile artworks created by undergraduate and postgraduate students using traditional weaving techniques and contemporary artistic approaches.
The exhibition brought traditional craftsmanship into a publicly announced university gallery setting, supporting awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage.
Basic Art Education Student Works Exhibition (26–30 May 2025)
The Basic Art Education Exhibition displayed student artworks developed through foundational artistic training.
The Faculty's official announcement stated that the exhibition was open to academic stakeholders and interested visitors, providing opportunities for engagement with emerging artistic practices.
Furkan Işıksever Personal Textile Exhibition (13–19 October 2025)
The Personal Textile Exhibition showcased artworks developed under a TÜBİTAK 2209-A-supported student research project.
Inspired by traditional Anatolian weaving culture, the exhibition combined cultural motifs with contemporary and digital design methods. It was publicly announced and presented at the Faculty Art Gallery, contributing to the visibility and preservation of traditional artistic heritage.
“Son Kat” Group Exhibition (1–7 December 2025)
The “Son Kat” Exhibition brought together works by faculty members and postgraduate students from the Painting Department.
Hosted at the University's Art Gallery, the exhibition provided another opportunity for visitors to engage with contemporary artistic production and interdisciplinary creative expression.
Cultural Accessibility and Community Engagement
Through its programme of exhibitions and public announcements, Sakarya University makes artistic activities accessible beyond formal teaching and academic research.
The University communicates exhibition dates, venues, and visitor information through official faculty announcements and institutional news platforms, enabling interested members of the community to attend and engage with cultural activities.
These exhibitions provide a platform for emerging artists, support the transmission of traditional cultural practices, and encourage dialogue between university members and the wider public.
Overall Assessment
Sakarya University demonstrates a continuing institutional commitment to public access to art galleries and exhibition spaces, supported by multiple documented exhibitions held during 2025.
The University's public exhibition programme promotes cultural participation, artistic diversity, and the preservation of cultural heritage while strengthening connections with the local community.
These activities contribute to SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, particularly Target 11.4, by supporting access to and appreciation of cultural heritage and the arts.
