Date: 11 June 2025 The 8th Art Days, organised by Istanbul Beykent University’s Faculty of Fine Arts, kicked off with the theme ‘First Summer’. Istanbul Beykent University’s Faculty of Fine Arts brought art lovers together at the 8th Art Days, held on 29–30 May 2025. The event offered participants an unforgettable experience, featuring talks, exhibitions, and theatre performances. Now in its 8th year, the Art Days – organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts – launched on 29 May 2025 at the Ayazağa-Maslak Campus Foyer Area under the theme ‘First Summer’. Throughout the two-day event, the faculty students’ works and graduation projects were on display Moreover, the staged plays, interviews, and presentations by the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts added vibrant energy to the event. ‘Our aim is to contribute to society’s cultural, social, and economic development.’ Delivering the event’s opening speech, Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Kazım Sarı remarked: ‘This year's Art Days – now in their 8th edition – will showcase our students’ creative works and theatrical productions, alongside a programme of interviews. Additionally, the Department of Gastronomy and Culinary Arts will present specially prepared demonstrations for our guests.’ Highlighting how these activities align directly with the university’s mission, Prof. Dr. Kazım Sarı stated: ‘These programmes are a vital part of our university’s core purpose. As a university, we are deeply committed to serving society through art, culture, and sustainable development. Our aim is to contribute to society’s cultural, social, and economic development.’ ‘We will remain vigilant and continue to generate fresh ideas and innovative thinking.’ Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Prof. Dr. Hamdi Ünal, highlighted fine arts education as a fundamental building block for all disciplines, stressing that basic design courses underpin all fields of study. Prof. Ünal emphasised the faculty's commitment to enlightening students through a contemporary, Atatürkist and secular educational approach, noting: ‘Our faculty has received unconditional ACQUIN accreditation for six years. Nevertheless, we will remain vigilant, continually generating fresh ideas and innovative thinking year after year. Particular emphasis was placed on universal education and social responsibility. Prof. Ünal emphasised the shift in educational paradigms from standardised models to universal approaches, while affirming the faculty's commitment to internationally benchmarked programmes. Concluding the address, Prof. Ünal addressed industry relations, stating: ‘We actively maintain ties with the commercial sector and engage in practical production. However, universities must never be reduced to mere training grounds for industry personnel. Universities are research-driven institutions that challenge conventions and advance societal values through both art and science. Universities generate artistic and scientific innovations, while industry adapts these designs for practical application and commercial production.’ Following the speeches, the event continued with the exhibition opening and a theatre performance. İlgili Görseller