Saving Yolo Art Center

A call to action: Yolo Art Center, a sanctuary for community and creativity in Istanbul, faces imminent closure—unless it receives the funding it needs to keep the doors open

The Yolo Art Center is more than just a building; it is a home away from home for many. Comprising three floors, the Center includes a welcoming café on the ground floor where social events like light shows, jam sessions, and karaoke nights bring people together. The basement houses a stage for live events such as stand-up comedy competitions and open talks. The first floor is a training center offering workshops and therapy sessions, including drama therapy, family constellation therapy, drawing therapy, and guitar classes. Established in May 2022, Yolo Art Center has provided a sanctuary where people can gather, express themselves, and find solace in a shared cultural heritage. However, the Center now faces imminent closure due to financial constraints and a lack of funding, threatening to dismantle a vital support system for many in the community.

Bayan Agha, the co-founder of Yolo Art Center alongside Jihad Bakr, recently shared with me how the Center has become a cornerstone for the Arab community in Istanbul. “We started with a vision to create a safe, inclusive space where people could meet, improve their talents, and find a sense of belonging,” Bayan explained. “We’ve hosted over 400 events in two and a half years, impacting countless lives.”

Despite its success, the Center has faced numerous challenges. The devastating earthquake in Turkey in February 2023 forced the Center to halt activities for over a month as it provided psychological support to the affected. Subsequent political and social upheavals further strained the center's operations, leading to additional closures. However, the most significant hurdle has been the soaring inflation rates in Turkey, which have nearly tripled its operating costs.

“We’ve always known that such projects take time to grow and become self-sustaining,” Bayan said. “But the inflation this year was out of our hands. We’ve exhausted our budget for the entire year in just five months.”

Despite their best efforts, including reaching out to various organizations and embassies, the funding needed to keep Yolo Art Center afloat has not materialized. The focus of available funds has been redirected towards emergency causes in regions like Gaza, leaving little for ongoing projects in Turkey.

To make matters even more difficult, the Center’s commitment to liberal and pro-democracy values puts it at odds with the prevailing political climate. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of financial support being funneled to businesses and organizations that align with radical theocratic ideologies. Those who conform to these views often receive substantial funding from wealthy donors and international organizations, while those who champion democracy and liberalism find themselves marginalized and financially strained.

For Bayan and Jihad, this means that despite their hard work and positive impact on their community, they cannot secure the financial backing needed to sustain their business. The founders now face an agonizing choice: compromise their values for the sake of financial survival or risk closing down while staying true to their principles. They have chosen the latter, deciding that their commitment to democracy and liberal values is worth more than any financial gain.

The potential closure of Yolo Art Center extends beyond financial loss; it represents the loss of a community lifeline. Many who frequent the Center see it as their sanctuary, a place where they feel safe and understood. The Center offers a rare and vital space for cultural expression and mental health support, fostering a sense of normalcy and hope amidst challenging circumstances.

Bayan’s dedication to the Center is deeply personal. Having left a stable job in television to pursue this dream, she has invested all her savings into Yolo Art Center. “I believe in the importance of this work, not just for myself but for everyone in our community,” she said. “If we close, I don’t know what will happen next. We have a loyal community that depends on us.”

The Yolo Art Center has been a pillar of support for many, providing a space for creativity, therapy, and community bonding. Now, it needs our help. The Center is on the brink of closure, and without immediate financial assistance, this invaluable resource will be lost.

Bayan remains hopeful, “We’ve kept the door open, believing in the importance of our project. If we receive a significant donation, we can continue our work and re-up our lease.”

As the Center struggles to keep its doors open, the founders remain optimistic that their story will inspire others to continue the fight for democracy and freedom. They dream of a future where businesses like theirs can thrive, not because they conform to certain ideologies, but because they bring people together and promote the values that make our societies stronger and more resilient. They are calling on the community, supporters of democracy, and advocates of refugee rights to help save Yolo Art Center.

Your donation can make a difference. They have until the end of September to reach their fundraising goal, so time is of the essence. By contributing to the Yolo Art Center, you are not only helping to save a building but preserving a community’s hope, creativity, and support system. Please consider donating to keep this vital space alive. Together, we can ensure that Yolo Art Center continues to be a home away from home for those who need it most.