Diageo Turkey is expanding its longstanding contribution to culture and arts by organizing its first-ever corporate exhibition. “Converging Waters, Blossoming Hopes” is open to visitors at Hope Alkazar on Istiklal Avenue from September 20 to October 27, 2025. Curated and art-consulted by Sinan Eren Erk, the exhibition brings together 15 contemporary artists from Turkey, showcasing a diverse range of creative voices.
The exhibition features works by Ahu Akgün, Aras Seddigh, Can Memişoğulları, Cem Sonel, Delal Eken, Dilara Başköylü, Dilara Göl, Ece Haskan, Gizem Ünlü, Merve Zeybek, Murat Palta, Nermin Er, Tuğçe Diri, and the duo Ertuğrul Güngör & Faruk Ertekin.
Inspired by the uncertainty and isolation of the pandemic era, the exhibition aims to make visible the miraculous resilience of nature and the invisible bonds of urban life. The curator, Sinan Eren Erk, emphasizes that the city is not just a physical space but a "living body" reflecting our relationships and dreams. Much like nature self-renewed when cities fell silent, art demonstrates its own resilience by strengthening collective hope.
Bahar Uçanlar, General Manager of Diageo Turkey, describes art and design as a form of expression that reflects the soul of their deep-rooted brands. She notes that the project serves a dual purpose: supporting artists at the beginning of their careers while reaffirming the value placed on experienced masters.
Sinan Eren Erk explains that the title serves as a metaphor. Just as different waters mingle and converge, art allows hopes to blossom anew. He points out that during the pandemic, the decrease in pollution and the return of wildlife to urban habitats reminded us of nature's power—a power that art mirrors by making invisible connections tangible.
While this is their first self-curated exhibition, Diageo Turkey has a significant history of supporting the arts, including:
Visual Arts: Initial corporate support for Arter, the opening reception of the 17th Istanbul Biennial, and the Turkey Pavilion at the 60th Venice Biennale (Gülsün Karamustafa’s Hollow and Broken: A State of the World). They also supported the exhibition uncovering unpublished sections of Reşad Ekrem Koçu’s Istanbul Encyclopedia.
Cinema and Theater: Contributions to festivals in Kaş, Bozcaada, Ayvalık, Bodrum, and Bergama. They have supported numerous stage productions and festivals, including the Istanbul Theater Festival, SmallÇiftlik Garden Theater, and works like Café Müller and Aşk, Ateş ve Anarşi Günleri.
