A protocol has been signed between the Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Rector’s Office and local artists who have contributed to the EMU Art Works Collection, Prof. Dr. Senih Çavuşoğlu, Emel Samioğlu, İsmet Tatar and Mehmet Ulubatlı. The signing ceremony of the protocol settled within the scope of the project carried out by by the EMU Center for Cyprus Studies (EMU-CCS) with the aim of preserving, protecting and transferring the works of local artists to future generations, took place on Wednesday, 23 February, 2022, at 14:30 at EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Aykut Hocanın's office. Also present at the ceremony were EMU-CCS President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Netice Yıldız and Art Coordinator Zehra Şonya.
“A Big Thank You to Our Artists”
Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Hocanın expressed that the project initiated by the former Rector Prof. Dr. Necdet Osam is still continuing. Prof. Dr. Hocanın said, “We aim to ensure the continuation of good and productive works that have started. As a state university, EMU has to be a pioneer in the provision of services to society as well as education and research. One of the most important parts of this is art and culture. Whilst doing this, we will continue to preserve the works of important artists of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), to facilitate the dissemination of information about them, and, beyond that, to contribute to the education of our society. In this context, I would like to thank our artists who donated their valuable works to our collection. Our efforts on these continue. Your permission will allow us to exhibit, preserved and use your work in different projects through the share of information. EMU is determined to continue in this direction with expanded activities.”
“We are Very Happy”
Artist İsmet Tatar stated that she was very excited when she saw her works here and said, "I hope their value will be recognised." Artist Emel Samioğlu stated that the works she transferred for the project are works of different periods and said, "I am really happy to think that they will be collected and exhibited under the roof of our university." Artist Mehmet Ulubatlı said that he was very happy and thanked EMU very much for the project and said, “We have been painting for a very long time and been interested in culture and art. We have always thought about how we can create added value for our country. However, art can move a society from one place to another.” Conveying her thanks to EMU-CCS and EMU Rector’s Office, Prof. Dr. Senih Çavuşoğlu said, “This collection will turn into the EMU Art Collection. I am observing that they are being very selective and the formation of a good collection is underway.” EMU Art Coordinator Zehra Şonya stated that the number of art works is approaching 700 and their goal is to increase this number to 1,500 and create a museum. EMU-CCS President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Netice Yıldız said, “This beautiful collection started with the initiatives of Zehra Şonya. We started through an art panel and reached the present day. We have started to work on books about the works of artists, and we want to increase them. I think we can bring art to much better and more beautiful places.”
After the speeches, artists signed protocols with Prof. Dr.Aykut Hocanın. After the signing ceremony, the artists viewed the artworks displayed in EMU Rector’s Office.
