INSPIRE Closing Ceremony Held in Istanbul

The INSPIRE Project, which aimed to jointly reflect on the policy, impact and sustainability dimensions of the creative economy in Türkiye, was concluded with the INSPIRE Closing Ceremony held in Istanbul on 21 January 2026.

Hosted at Hilton Bosphorus Istanbul, the ceremony brought together public institutions, representatives of the creative industries, experts and key stakeholders. Throughout the day, participants shared policy approaches developed within the INSPIRE process, project outcomes and international perspectives.

Opening Speeches and Project Presentation

The programme commenced with opening remarks delivered by Mr. Ahmet Şimşek, Director General of Development Agencies at the Ministry of Industry and Technology, and Mr. Abdulkadir Güventürk, Head of the Project Management Department at the Directorate General for European Union and Foreign Affairs. The opening session addressed the policy framework for the development of the creative economy in Türkiye and the contributions of the INSPIRE Project in this field.

This was followed by the final presentation of the INSPIRE Project, outlining the implementation process, key achievements and lessons learned over more than two years. The presentation highlighted how INSPIRE transformed the creative economy from a concept merely discussed into a shared and actively shaped space.

International Perspectives and Thematic Sessions

The keynote speeches delivered within the programme focused on:

• laying the foundations for lasting policy transformation for the creative economy in Türkiye,

• impact, skills and sustainability in the cultural and creative industries.

With contributions from international speakers, the sessions examined the long-term impact of the creative economy, the relationship between policy and practice, and the future of the sector within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Beyond a Closing: A Shared Ground

The INSPIRE Closing Ceremony stood out as more than the conclusion of a project; it served as a moment to reflect on the journey undertaken and to make visible the new pathways opened for the creative economy. The ideas and experiences shared throughout the day once again demonstrated that INSPIRE has established a lasting platform for thought and collaboration in the field of the creative economy.

The INSPIRE Project has been completed.

However, the shared ground shaped through this journey will continue to guide the future of the creative economy.