Cultural project

Abstract

The problem VAY VAY VAY is trying to address is twofold: on one hand we have the systematic and systemic exclusion of women and LGBT individuals in the general economic, political, and social activities in society and on the other hand, as a direct result of the former, we have the exclusion and deprivation of opportunities of those two social groups in the arts and cultural sector. For example, even though women make up most of contemporary art students worldwide, they only account for around 20- 40% of workers in this industry. When we spotlight this problem specifically in the Middle East and South Caucasus, it is often not safe for many women and LGBT artists to even practise and showcase their art. So not only are these groups at a career disadvantage but oftentimes they are silenced, not leaving a chance to share their creative voices with larger audiences in the first place. A perfect example of the social difficulties women and LGBT face is Turkey’s recent decision to withdraw from the Istanbul Convention, which required signatories to implement legislation to combat violence against women and domestic violence. Turkey’s withdrawal is considered the biggest step backwards in the women’s and LGBT rights movements not only in the country but also in the region. The Turkish government has been trying to alienate these groups from the general public for years and continues to do so which has increased tensions and made many people decide to leave the country. Earlier this year, President Erdogan also said that “LGBT people do not exist.” Without acknowledging the existence of these groups and the problems within society, we cannot address and change them for the better.