The Abstract Proceedings Book of the “From Memory to the Future: Art and Design Symposium,” organized online on October 1–2, 2026, in collaboration with Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU), Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), and STA Congress (Art and Design Research), has been published. The academic studies presented at the symposium, held under the theme “Preservation, Interpretation, and Reproduction of Cultural Heritage,” explored the relationships between cultural memory, art, and design through an interdisciplinary approach.
Prepared to document the academic discussions held during the symposium, the publication examines the role of traditional knowledge and practices in contemporary art and design processes from various theoretical and practical perspectives. In addition to the preservation of cultural heritage, its reinterpretation and transmission to future generations are among the central topics addressed in the book.
 
The relationship between cultural heritage, art, and design was examined

The symposium addressed the influence of cultural memory on artistic production processes, the relationship between traditional artistic practices and contemporary design approaches, and various methods for preserving cultural values. Discussions emphasized that cultural heritage should not be regarded solely as a historical legacy inherited from the past, but also as a dynamic field of knowledge capable of inspiring contemporary creative production. In this context, the role of art and design disciplines in making cultural values visible, interpreting them, and transmitting them to future generations was explored through academic research.
 
Traditional knowledge and contemporary design approaches came together
 
One of the prominent topics of the event was the reconsideration of traditional knowledge and practices within contemporary understandings of art and design. Bringing together diverse research perspectives, the symposium provided a platform for discussions on how cultural memory can be connected with contemporary forms of artistic production. The sustainability of cultural heritage, the connections that can be established between the past and the future through creative processes, and the reinterpretation of traditional practices were among the subjects examined. The interdisciplinary approach enabled the exchange of perspectives demonstrating that cultural heritage preservation and the pursuit of artistic innovation are interconnected processes rather than independent practices.
 
Academic contributions of the symposium compiled into a publication
 
The publication, titled “From Memory to the Future: Art and Design Symposium – Abstract Proceedings Book,” aims to document the academic studies presented during the symposium and make them accessible to the scholarly community. Prepared with Turkish and English titles, the book seeks to contribute to the broader academic visibility of research focusing on the relationships between cultural heritage, art, and design. By bringing together the approaches shared during the symposium, the publication also aims to serve as a reference source for future research in related fields.
 
Abstract Proceedings Book made available online
 
The academic contributions of the symposium, organized in collaboration with IGU Faculty of Fine Arts and STA Congress, have been made accessible through STA Congress's digital academic publication and archive platform. The publication ensures that academic discussions concerning the preservation, interpretation, and reproduction of cultural heritage remain accessible beyond the symposium itself. As Istanbul Gelisim University Faculty of Fine Arts, we extend our thanks to all researchers who contributed their studies to the symposium and to everyone involved in its organization.
 
The Abstract Proceedings Book can be accessed through the STA Congress Symposium Archive.