Grow Local, Grow Equal

​Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Istanbul meet-up of "Grow Local, Grow Equal" at The Consulate General of the Netherlands, hosted by Kreşendo.

Kreşendo is one of only two cultural institutions in Turkey to be awarded UNESCO’s International Fund for Cultural Diversity. This fund, established under the 2005 Convention, supports projects that safeguard and celebrate the diversity of cultural expressions. The "Grow Local, Grow Equal" project is designed to strengthen and promote equality within Turkey’s music industry through conducting research on the needs and challenges of music industry, organising sector meetings and online training programs in pilot cities, and producing a policy report aimed at contributing to the development of sustainable cultural policies in the music sector will be prepared.

Throughout the event—attended by musicians and industry leaders alike—Kreşendo’s founder, Beril Sarıaltun, along with speakers like Özlem Ece, Merve Eryürük, Metin Uzelli, Bülent Forta, and Liza Blanning, discussed how Turkey’s music industry can become more inclusive, fair, and sustainable. 

One powerful insight was the recognition of how digital platforms have democratized music, providing artists new opportunities to reach global audiences. Yet, as we heard in discussions, there are persistent barriers around equitable earnings, fair copyright practices, and the commercialisation of culture. Traditional structures in the industry, like are being pushed to adapt, while artists often find themselves navigating complex, sometimes restrictive systems that limit their control and earnings.

Another thought-provoking theme was the influence of technology and digital shifts on the industry’s landscape. With mobile access, AI, and streaming services, music has become highly accessible, but this accessibility comes with its own challenges: artists now carry the burden of self-promotion and engagement to sustain visibility and income. As the world becomes a "global village," there’s also a rise in cynical audiences and competitive pressures that make it even harder to stand out authentically. With almost 100,000 songs being added to streaming platforms weekly, it is indeed a crowded market. 

As a jaded musician who has been a part of this industry for over 10 years, I was excited by the sense of collectivism in the room. I could sense that we were on the brink of something new and exciting. Something that I'm eager and excited to be a part of.