The founding teams of the Bozcaada Jazz Festival, 3dots and Fermente, are bringing communities together with their creative initiative called “KEŞİF.” The first project of this special initiative, titled “Building Bridges with Jazz,” will take place from October 18 to 27 at the Museum Gazhane and will be realized with the support of the U.S. Mission to Turkey Grant Program.
Jazz music is considered one of the most powerful ways to build bridges between cultures and generations. Therefore, the “Building Bridges with Jazz” project aims to examine the history of cultural diplomacy between Turkey and the United States through the unique language of music. As part of the project, an archive exhibition on jazz music will introduce this special bridge to visitors.
Supported by İBB Kültür AŞ, the project will also feature a screening of the documentary film “Leave the Door Open,” which focuses on Münir Ertegün, who served as Turkey’s Ambassador to Washington. This documentary, which tells the story of the Ertegün family, will illustrate how jazz is not only a form of expression but also a tool for cultural diplomacy.
Additionally, during the final two days of the project, a workshop led by Selen Gülün and Ben Zwerin will share with young musicians and students how jazz and improvisational music have become a means of expression and a testament to freedom of expression.
The KEŞİF initiative aims to create sustainable communities by bringing together different disciplines and voices. The “Building Bridges with Jazz” project embodies the excitement of achieving this goal.