MANIFESTO
Zero Movement was founded on the idea that everything needs to be reconsidered and rebuilt. We start from ground zero to develop innovative solutions to social, cultural, and environmental challenges. In line with this mission, we critically examine existing systems and take responsibility for integrating local and global dynamics to generate meaningful solutions.
We are a community of individuals committed to Bozcaada—residents of the island as well as professionals from various disciplines. This collective, composed of artists, academics, entrepreneurs, and experts, aims to build bridges between the past and the future while supporting local development through global perspectives. In this process, Bozcaada is not merely a location but serves as a model and a source of inspiration for collaborative production.
Zero Movement is a collective initiative that unites art, science, and local knowledge to create new spaces for thinking and producing. By inviting individuals to reconsider their relationships with nature, culture, and society, this movement aspires to establish a shared space of transformation through interdisciplinary contributions. Our goal is not only to address the present but also to shape the future by developing an ecosystem model for collective action and production.
Bozcaada Gathering is an experiential festival that fosters new ways of thinking. Emerging from Bozcaada, this initiative aims to amplify novel ideas, experiences, and creative outputs by bringing them together. With an emphasis on participation and collective production, this process remains open to contributions from all.
PEOPLE
Zero People is an initiative that brings together art, science, and local knowledge within a shared space of transformation. Everyone involved in this social impact project comes together to collaboratively design change. By uniting individuals from diverse disciplines, it fosters the exchange of knowledge, experience, and perspectives, aiming to generate new ideas and solutions.
Zero People serves as a carrier of a collective vision—an open invitation to all who share knowledge, cultivate creative collaborations, and approach the world with a fresh perspective.
RESEARCH
Zero Research shapes the research-oriented structure of the movement. It is the section where scientific and artistic investigations are conducted, examining the current state and potential of the geography. Zero Research delves into the island’s ecosystem, cultural heritage, social structure, and other relevant topics through in-depth studies.
These research efforts aim to produce valuable insights in both academic and artistic contexts. Zero Research utilizes the knowledge gained to develop new solutions and seek responses to social challenges.
Gatherıng
The Gathering represents the social impact aspect of the movement, where artists, academics, and the community come together to engage in dialogue and collaborate on projects. It is a dynamic process that fosters interaction and co-creation.
The outcomes of interdisciplinary research and production processes—integrating artistic and scientific approaches—offer participants the opportunity to experience them firsthand throughout the events. These experiential spaces consist of public exhibitions, land art, performances, workshops, and discussion sessions.
Creative Artist
Mahir Akgündoğdu
The artist has received theater training and has worked for many years as a theater actor, writer, and director.
Artist, Nature Researcher
Derin Uludağ
The artist continues to work on abstract painting, ecology, and raw art, while also conducting research on the use of natural pigments and traditional techniques.
Artist, Art Director
Saye Özçelik
The artist graduated from the Sculpture Department at Düzce University. In 2016, she held her first solo exhibition, "İçerden", and in 2023, she presented her second solo exhibition, "Volta," at Finart Studio’s showcase.
Dancer, Art Asistant
Gülseren Cizdan
Gülseren, having completed the two-stage Creative Dance and Movement Pedagogy training, works as a creative dance instructor while actively continuing her practice in performing arts and arts departments.
Contemporary Dancer
Rüçhan Eylül Ercan
The artist, a graduate of the Contemporary Dance Department at Mimar Sinan University State Conservatory, is a Vinyasa Yoga instructor and has taught yoga, contemporary dance, and swimming at an international level.
Interdisiplinary Artist
Umut Kambak
He is currently pursuing his Proficiency in Art degree at Mimar Sinan Fine Arts University, focusing on ceramics and urban texture in his research and artistic practice.
Researcher Artist
Özgür Kavurmacıoğlu
Özgür conducted his doctoral research on algorithmic design processes exploring the relationship between movement and time in architectural design. He approaches digital and analog production through an interdisciplinary perspective.
Director
Selçuk Demirci
As a director and artist, Selçuk has contributed to numerous national and international projects. By merging storytelling with contemporary art methods, he aims to create innovative and immersive experiences.
Experience Designer
Emre Gökçen
Recently, through the Zero Movement initiative he launched in Bozcaada, Gökcen has been developing projects focused on social change, transformation, and livability. His goal is to raise environmental awareness and preserve Bozcaada’s local identity, natural heritage, and cultural richness for future generations.