İzmir proved that creativity can support environmental thinking

The Artistic Mission event held in İzmir’s Kültürpark aimed to connect the Re-Value project’s three key concepts of sustainability, aesthetic value, and participation with the urban space through a creative process. The event brought together students and citizens who explored how these concepts are experienced in one of İzmir’s most well-known public parks.

The mission had two main goals. The first was to make the Re-Value concepts more visible and understandable in the context of the Kültürpark. Participants were encouraged to think about what makes a space sustainable, beautiful, and inclusive. They then looked for and photographed examples of these ideas in the park’s nature, paths, buildings, artworks, and everyday activities.

The second goal was to create an interactive visual artwork using the photos and observations collected during the event. This artwork will combine photos and written notes with digital techniques such as projection and mapping.The final product will highlight how citizens experience urban nature and how creativity can support environmental thinking. It will not be just about looking at pictures, but about sharing stories to better understand the park and its role in the city.

With its long history and multiple varieties of trees and plants, Kültürpark represented a special location for this activity. Participants also learned about how green spaces help cities stay cooler, support biodiversity, and provide a place for people to come together. These are all important aspects of climate change adaptation.

This activity helped participants see familiar spaces in new ways and reflect on how nature and people can shape the city together. It also showed how artistic tools can effectively support local participation and help the city move toward a more sustainable future.

Publishing date: 18 June 2025

Authors: İzmir Metropolitan Municipality (IMM)