Tavpa’s Story

The Founding Story of TAVPA: A Unifying Vision for Art

The story of the Turkish American Visual and Performing Arts (TAVPA) is one of inspiration, collaboration, and the unifying power of art. It is a testament to the dreams and dedication of a group of individuals who came together, each with a unique vision, to create something greater than themselves. Like the American experiment itself, TAVPA was founded by a diverse group of individuals with different backgrounds but one shared goal: to elevate and celebrate Turkish arts and artists in the United States.

A Gathering of Minds and Dreams

The journey began with a simple conversation at the art exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic which all of the current TAVPA Leadership team attended. Alev Wieland recognized the need for an organization to support Turkish artists in the U.S. and shared her thoughts with Pelin, Onur, Seyhan and Nur. Pelin, inspired by the art exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, envisioned taking this exhibition beyond a single event. She dreamed of a traveling exhibit that would blend visual arts, music, and dance to create a dynamic and immersive experience. Alev encouraged her and the others, and the idea started taking shape. By December 2023, Alev saw the potential of merging these creative aspirations into a collective effort. She reached out to Pelin and others, and they decided to bring everyone together for a brainstorming dinner in January 2024.

The Personal Journeys That Built TAVPA

Each founder brought something unique to this endeavor:

• Alev played a crucial role in bringing together artists with a shared vision. Inspired by the enthusiasm of the 100th anniversary exhibition, she saw the potential to create a lasting platform for Turkish visual and performing arts. Recognizing the need for an organization that could unite diverse artistic talents, she initiated the first brainstorming dinner in January 2024, laying the groundwork for TAVPA’s foundation.
• Pelin envisioned expanding Turkish art beyond local exhibitions with her collection of fourteen black-and-white photographs created for the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Showcasing her birthplace and travels, the exhibition was a tribute to her roots. She hoped to take it across the United States, turning it into a traveling celebration of Turkish culture, enriched with music, dance, and art to create a truly immersive experience.
• Seyhan and Onur recognized the value of connecting Turkish artists with the world, driven by the belief that art transcends time and borders. With this vision, they engaged with multicultural platforms, collaborating with diverse artists and communities to share and celebrate Turkish performing arts. Through their work with TAVPA, they emphasize the importance of creating opportunities for people to explore and engage with dances outside their own cultures, nurturing a greater appreciation for artistic traditions across the world.
• Nur saw the importance of supporting Turkish artists internationally, inspired by the timeless truth: Ars longa, vita brevis (Art is long, life is short). TAVPA became her mission to provide artists with the exposure and support they need.
• Nuşin, having experienced the challenge of building a new life in a foreign country, understood the struggles artists face in gaining recognition. She envisioned TAVPA as a bridge between Turkish and American cultures, a network where Turkish artists find encouragement, and diverse communities unite through art.
• Aylin, driven by a passion for literature and the arts, saw TAVPA as an opportunity to introduce Turkish writers, composers, and visual artists to American audiences, fostering mutual cultural appreciation.
• İpek, deeply moved by the 100th-year exhibition, found her motivation in a personal moment: her 13-year-old son, inspired by the artwork, came home and created his own depiction of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Witnessing how art could spark such meaningful expression, she knew she wanted to be part of an organization that nurtures artistic inspiration.

A Vision Takes Shape

On January 16, 2024, artists and visionaries gathered without knowing the magnitude of what they were about to create. Discussions flowed, ideas interwove, and a common dream emerged: an independent nonprofit organization dedicated solely to Turkish visual and performing arts. By the end of the evening, the foundation of TAVPA was set in motion. The group agreed on a name, registered a domain, and began drafting bylaws and official documents.

By July 28, 2024, TAVPA received its official status, and on August 16, 2024, the organization was granted its EIN number. What had started as a conversation among artists had now become a legally recognized nonprofit with a mission to cultivate cultural awareness, bring people together, and create a lasting impact through the arts.

A Future Rooted in Art and Unity

From its inception, TAVPA has been about more than just art—it is about connection, heritage, and the power of artistic expression to transcend borders. Founded by a group of dreamers who came together with a shared mission, 

As we look to the future, we invite artists, art lovers, and supporters from all walks of life to join us in this journey—because when creativity brings people together, the possibilities are endless.

Turkish American Visual and Performing Arts (TAVPA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Turkish arts and artists in the United States, fostering cross-cultural connections, and inspiring communities through the power of artistic expression.