5 PLACES WHERE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE EVERY BRANCH OF ART IN ANKARA

Dilara Tıraş & Jason Ang & Maxie Petzold & Pınar Erden / EXPLORE ART IN ANKARA WITH US! /COMD 357 Multimedia Journalism Sonbahar2023-2024 Listeleme Projesi

If you’re an art lover residing in Ankara, you may have occasionally felt that your options for immersive artistic experiences are somewhat limited. Fear not, for ArtZer06 is here to be your compass in the vibrant world of art within the city.

Welcome to ArtZer06! We’re here to keep you updated on all the cool art stuff happening in Ankara. Our main goal is to share interesting information with you and make sure it’s always up-to-date and fun. We want to bring lots of energy to the art community in Ankara, so everyone who loves art can enjoy it more. We’re going to show you all kinds of art events in Ankara, from big exhibitions to smaller, cozy gatherings. Art isn’t just about paintings, it’s also about the cool interactions happening around it, like talks, events, and meeting other art lovers. We aim to show art lovers like us that Ankara is a city full of creative energy. We’re on this adventure with you, our fellow art lovers. Let’s explore the artistic side of Ankara together, one painting, one event, and one chat at a time.

Come along with us on our first blog post where we checked out four places to enjoy art in Ankara!

 

1. GALLERY BLACK & WHITE | A DYNAMIC FUSION OF ART, MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Hey art enthusiasts! Are you searching for a spot where you can enjoy art, music and drinks all in one place? Then Black and White Art Gallery is for you! Right in the heart of the city, this gallery stands out with its sleek and captivating simplicity. Stepping through its doors, you’ll find yourself immersed in a world where monochrome reigns supreme, accentuating the art that graces its walls. What sets this gallery apart is not just its striking visual appeal, but also its commitment to accessibility – entry is free, inviting all to partake in its offerings. 

The gallery has modest dimensions, which exudes an intimate charm, forging a close connection between observer and artwork. Beyond the captivating monochrome displays, this gallery offers a delightful opportunity to enjoy refreshments at the conveniently located downstairs bar. As you step outside you are welcomed with an 
inviting porch area. As an interior architecture i have absolutely loved this area which unites indoors and outdoors with a selection of seating options allowing you to savor the gallery experience in the cozy embrace of the outdoors. As the sun sets, the gallery comes alive with the rhythm of live music, a weekly occurrence that partakes on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 10 pm until 1 am. These vibrant evenings transform the space, inviting visitors to revel in a dynamic fusion of art, music, and entertainment. 

Its strategic location ensures that this cozy gallery is easily within reach, making it easy to access for students and art enthusiasts alike to explore its wonders. The absence of an entrance fee is a great opportunity which allows university students to frequent this place, offering a space where inspiration and creativity flow freely. With it’s great opportunity to relax and enjoy art while getting drinks was a great experience to us! We recommend you to experience the cozy atmosphere of this place yourself, with a great pizza place next door that is owned by this gallery you will not only feed your artistic hunger but fill yourself with delightful foods and drinks at your convenience. 

Our Evaluation:
Aesthetic 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Price (No entry fee) 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Art Experience 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Website of Gallery Black & White : 
galerisiyahbeyaz.com/

Opening Hours:
Exhibition:   Everyday except for Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm
Live music:  Every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10:00 pm to 1:00 am.

​Address:
Güvenevler, Kavaklıdere Cd. 3/1 D:2, 06540 Çankaya/Ankara

2. WALLMOSS | UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY IN THE UNIQUE COFFEE SHOP

Are you interested in a unique art experience that allows you to unleash your creativity? Then as a communication designer I have the perfect place for you! I would like to introduce you a very special coffee shop – Wallmoss. A small and cozy coffee shop where you can be creative. A place where you can enjoy art and accomplish yourself. Wallmoss has been in Ankara since 2017 and can be found in Bahçelievler, Ankara. It is open daily from 9:00 am in the morning until 24:00 pm at night – so you can get creative at any time!

When you first enter Wallmoss, you will directly be welcomed at the counter. The coffee shop offers a pleasant atmosphere – different types of artworks can be found everywhere. The gallery in the store creates a great sense of space that makes you feel right at home. Firstly, you can choose from a wide variety of different wooden products that you can creatively transform into your own masterpiece. These include wooden products such as lanterns, Christmas decorations, jewelry boxes, money boxes and much more (see pictures). The price of the products varies according to shape and size. After selecting the product, you receive a paint box with various paint tubes, brushes, and a mixing palette on which you can mix your own colors. Then you can choose place where you want to sit. You can either sit inside or in the cozy outdoor area. If you wish, you can enjoy a hot or cold drink while you paint. If you are feeling a little bit hungry, you can also order a sandwich or dessert. Now it’s time: On your brushes, get set, and go!
 
In order to prepare you as well as possible for this art experience, I would like to share our criticisms with you: I would have liked a protective skirting to protect our clothes. This would prevent unwanted stains. Furthermore, larger tables would have been more practical to have enough space to paint. In addition to the wooden products, I would also have liked plain canvas to paint on. 
 
All in all, an exciting experience if you do not just want to go to a normal café – we would definitely recommend this coffee shop to you!

Our Evaluation:
Aesthetic 🎨🎨🎨/5
Price 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Art Experience 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Website of Wallmoss: 
https://www.instagram.com/wallmoss/

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

​Address:
Yukarı Bahçelievler Mah. 13. Sokak No:3/B. Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye
 

3. ​CER MODERN | RAILWAYS TO ART IN ANKARA

If there is a place that brings art to the atmosphere of Ankara, it is Cer Modern. Cer Modern has been preserving its essential role of bringing an artistic soul to the capital city of Turkey since 2010. When we say, “railways to art”, we refer to the history of Cer Modern, which many of you might find it interesting…

Cer Modern was once a place for the repairment of railways and carriages. Now it is a place for citizens to enjoy open air cinemas in hot summer nights, exhibitions, artists gathering, friends having drinks, families to spend time and for art lovers to nourish their thirst for art! They don’t forget kids as well with “Cer Çocuk” inside the building.

Once you enter the open area of Cer Modern, you are welcomed with the immense beauty of the lights combined with the colour of the blue sky. The building itself gives a natural artifact in the city in contrast to big, boring buildings in Ankara. The surrounding of Cer Modern is peaceful, with no expectation to hear traffic sounds or the sounds of city in general. The café outside is very enjoyable just to sit and enjoy the view and have some drinks from the bar while discussing the art events you just attended! For breakfast Cer Modern is also a popular place. It is also important to mention that there is a statue of Abidin Dino, who is one of the most important painters in Turkey right next to the entrance.

Inside, there is one big circular hall that is used for exhibitions and for the gatherings of artists, along with theatre saloons and ateliers. Before diving into there, there is a shop for hand made jewelry, pottery and stuff made by the visiting artists and local designers.
Cer Modern brings together many different exhibitions along with hosting events such as concerts, theatre plays, films, and discussions with artists. Ateliers are also present in CerModern, including “Cer Çocuk”.  Note that these events should be followed up by the calendar provided in its official website.

Another consideration for those who plan on visiting Cer Modern is the transportation. Unfortunately, it is hard to reach to the place as a pedestrian, but the place itself is very well known in the city. Therefore, there is little or no possibility of getting lost for the sake of art 😉

Our Evaluation:
Aesthetic 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Price 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Art Experience 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Website of Cer Modern: 
https://www.cermodern.org/ 

Opening Hours:
Everyday except Mondays from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

​Address:
Anafartalar, Altınsoy Cd. No:3, 06101 Sıhhıye / Altındağ/Altındağ/Ankara

4. MAKE ME JOI ​CAFÉ | THE PERFECT ESCAPE FOR CREATIVES

Are you searching for a place where you can let your creative thoughts run free? As a communication designer, I found this place in Ankara. I love working in places that inspire me both personally and professionally. And that is exactly what the Make Me Joi café in the west of Ankara offers. Here you can switch off, get creative or meet up with friends for a coffee. Make Me Joi is a café chain in Turkey that is represented at various locations. In Ankara you can go there daily from 9:00 am to 00:00 pm. Except on Thursdays, here is the opening hour from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.
 
On the 
Make Me Joi website you can see the menu of all drinks and snacks. You can also find the addresses of all the locations, some nice pictures of all the cafés as well as music playlists that are played in the cafés. For me, this is an absolute highlight, especially if you like a song that was played in the café, and you want to search for the title of the song afterwards. Another plus point is the café’s corporate design. Every detail fits together in its own way. The entire concept is reflected both in the café itself and on the website.
 
Make Me Joi, a café where a beautiful entrance area, friendly service and a modern interior come together, offers an incredible ambience that makes visitors feel right at home. The interior design includes high-quality designer furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also offers maximum comfort. The combination of modern elegance and a cozy atmosphere creates the perfect setting for any visit – whether alone to work or to meet up with friends.
 
Particularly is the unique selection of drinks, including the popular Matcha Latte. A treat that cannot be found on every corner in Ankara. There is also a large selection of hot and cold drinks. For example, there are different coffee variations, healthy smoothies, and freshly squeezed juices. You will not be disappointed with the food either: Make Me Joi also offers sandwiches, colorful bowls as well as juicy cakes and muffins.
 
All in all, Make Me Joi is more than just a café – it is a lifestyle destination. The atmosphere invites you to develop creative thoughts, pursue professional goals or simply enjoy your time in good company. An absolute recommendation from us – So be sure to go there!

​Our Evaluation:
Aesthetic 🎨🎨🎨
🎨🎨/5
Price 🎨🎨🎨🎨
🎨/5
Art Experience 🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Website of Make Me Joi: 

https://www.makemejoi.com

Opening Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Thursday from 8
:00 am to 17:00 pm

​Address:

Mutlukent Mah. Doğan Taşdelen Bulvarı No:97 İç Kapı No:21 Çankaya/Ankara, Türkiye

5. CSO ADA ANKARA | YOUR MAGICAL MUSICAL JOURNEY AWAITS YOU

At the end of this art self-discovery journey, what’s more immersive than to revel in the ambience of good music? If you agree, CSO Ada Ankara is the last pit stop you should make to wrap up your artistic tour in Ankara. 

Located in the heart of the Ankara district, CSO Ada Ankara boasts multiple venues, including a large Main Hall, a smaller Blue Hall, a historical orchestra building, a spacious open-air concert area, and a museum. Operating everyday from 09:00 to 00:00, jump on this opportunity to pay this place a visit! An architecture phenomenon, the complex is made entirely out of glass and steel. As you enter the premises, remember to marvel at the lighting design meticulously planned throughout the venue. The airy and open concept design is sure to let your creative juices flowing as you relax and let your heart out listening to the wonderful tunes in the background. 

Should you have some funds left in your pocket, treat yourself to an immersive expeience and purchase a ticket to listen to some live music in the concert hall. From jazz to classical, rock to opera, the versatility of CSO Ada Ankara’s musicality knows no bounds. Get a front row seat to soak up the talents that lie before you, and after, grab a delicious bite at the cafe available upstairs. When you are all tuned out, don’t forget to have a look at some artistic exhibitions in the museum or displayed around the venue.

​And just like that, you’re all caught up.

Our Evaluation:
Aesthetic 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5
Price 🎨🎨🎨/5
Art Experience 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨/5

Website of CSO Ada Ankara: 
https://csoadaankara.ktb.gov.tr/

Opening Hours:
Everyday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm

​Address:
Talatpaşa Bulvarı, No: 38 Opera, 06330 Altındağ/Ankara