The Glass Furnace Foundation is Turkey’s largest glass arts center, located in Beykoz, Istanbul. Surrounded by nature, its riverside campus provides a peaceful and creative setting.



Established in 2002, the foundation’s mission is to promote glass as an art form, support glass production and education, and make it accessible to everyone. It holds a collection of over 1,200 contemporary glass artworks, some displayed on-site and others loaned to exhibitions. Each year, it welcomes 30,000 children through school trips, workshops, and special programs.



Initially a small production studio, it quickly became a leading arts center, hosting workshops, training glass artists, and collaborating with international masters. Education remains a priority, with activities for all ages and skill levels, alongside seasonal events that attract many visitors.

    

In our talk, we will begin by exploring Yılmaz Yalçınkaya’s journey in glass art, which has significantly influenced the direction of The Glass Furnace. We will also touch on the traditional glassmaking heritage in Turkish history, from Ottoman times to the present, and discuss the evolution of the studio glass movement in Türkiye. The presentation will include a few short videos highlighting the foundation's 22-year history, along with photos from its glass collection. We will also showcase works by Turkish glass artists who have connected with the foundation as students or instructors. We will conclude by sharing our upcoming events and future plans.

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