Support for the Creative Economy from the Istanbul Development Agency

The Istanbul Development Agency has announced the 2026 Creative Economy Strengthening Financial Support Program, featuring 300 million liras in funding to develop Istanbul's creative industries ecosystem and increase its international visibility.

Scope and Objectives of the Support Program

Within the scope of the program implemented by the Istanbul Development Agency, financial support ranging between 5 million liras and 20 million liras is planned to be provided to each project.

In the city, which accounts for more than 40 percent of the country's creative employment and produces nearly three-quarters of the national creative economy turnover, it is aimed for this accumulated potential to contribute to sustainable development.

Innovative Infrastructures and Production Capacity

Under the first priority of the program, innovative, sustainable, and scalable infrastructures and business models that will increase the production capacity of stakeholders in the ecosystem are supported.

Activities such as carrying cultural heritage into the future with new technologies and bringing traditional productions together with contemporary designs will be evaluated under this heading.

Strengthening the City's Creative Identity

The second priority area focuses on strengthening the city's creative identity, encompassing the revitalization of parks, squares, and coastal areas through creative design interventions.

Projects such as transforming idle buildings into production spaces for digital nomads and local artists, as well as international artist residency programs, will be encouraged.

Application Process and Evaluation Principles

Project application procedures will be accepted solely online through the Development Agencies Management System, with the application deadline set for December 4, 2026.

Decisions regarding whether the submitted projects are eligible for support will be made through reviews conducted by independent evaluators.