TOA Awards 2026 Finalists - Arts & Culture
The Arts & Culture category recognizes individuals whose work has made significant contributions to promoting Turkish arts, culture, creativity, and cultural exchange in the United States. These finalists have distinguished themselves through leadership, artistic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
## Barbaros Tapan
**Golden Globe Voter | Entertainment Journalist | Founder, Hollywood Turkish Film Festival**
Barbaros Tapan is an accomplished entertainment journalist and producer with decades of experience covering Hollywood and the international film industry. Based in Los Angeles, he serves as a Golden Globe voter and has represented leading Turkish media organizations in the United States. Through the Hollywood Turkish Film Festival and his extensive media work, he has played an important role in promoting Turkish cinema and strengthening cultural ties between Türkiye and the U.S.
**Profile**
[https://goldenglobes.com/voting-member/barbaros-tapan/]
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## Emre Şahin
**Director, Cinematographer & Producer | Founder, Karga Seven**
Emre Şahin is an internationally recognized filmmaker, director, and producer whose work spans television, documentary, and feature productions. As the founder of Karga Seven Pictures, he has produced acclaimed projects for major global streaming platforms and television networks. His storytelling has introduced Turkish history and culture to international audiences while earning recognition for cinematic excellence.
**Profile**
[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1566899/]
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## Gizem Salçıgil White
**Founder & CEO, Turkish Coffee Lady**
Gizem Salçığıl White is the founder of Turkish Coffee Lady, an internationally recognized cultural diplomacy initiative that promotes Turkish coffee and heritage through educational programs, public events, and intercultural dialogue. Her work has helped introduce Turkish traditions to diverse audiences across the United States while fostering cultural understanding through gastronomy and community engagement.
**Profile**
[https://www.turkishcoffeelady.com]
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## Gökhan Doğan
**President, Art Evi**
Gökhan Doğan is the President of Art Evi, where he has organized exhibitions, cultural programs, concerts, and community events celebrating Turkish arts and heritage. His leadership has helped strengthen cultural engagement among Turkish Americans while creating opportunities for artists and community members to connect through meaningful cultural experiences.
**Profile**
[https://instagram.com/arteviproduction]
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## İbrahim Yazıcı
**President, Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY)**
İbrahim Yazıcı is the President of the Turkish American Arts Society of New York (TAASNY), one of the leading organizations dedicated to promoting Turkish performing arts in the United States. Through concerts, orchestral performances, cultural festivals, and educational initiatives, he has played a key role in preserving and showcasing Turkish artistic heritage while fostering cultural exchange between Türkiye and the United States.
**Profile**
[https://taasny.org](https://taasny.org)
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## Refik Anadol
**Media Artist | Founder, Refik Anadol Studio**
Refik Anadol is an internationally acclaimed media artist whose pioneering work combines artificial intelligence, data, and architecture to create immersive digital experiences. His installations have been exhibited at some of the world's leading museums and cultural institutions, making him one of the most influential figures in contemporary digital art and AI-powered creative expression.
**Profile**
[https://refikanadol.com]
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## Serdar İlhan
**President, Drom**
Serdar İlhan is the founder and president of Drom, one of New York City's most respected world music venues. Through concerts, cultural programming, and international collaborations, he has introduced audiences to Turkish and global music traditions while supporting artists from diverse cultural backgrounds.
**Profile**
[https://serdarilhan.com]
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## Serdar Kalsın
**Actor**
Serdar Kalsın is a Turkish-American actor whose work includes film, television, and commercial productions in both Türkiye and the United States. His performances reflect a versatile acting career and contribute to the growing visibility of Turkish talent within the international entertainment industry.
**Profile**
[https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1224135/]
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## Tony Şeker
**Visual Artist**
Tony Şeker is a contemporary visual artist recognized for his creative works that blend artistic expression with cultural identity. Through exhibitions and original artwork, he has contributed to promoting Turkish artistic talent while engaging diverse audiences through visual storytelling.
**Profile**
https://www.claxondusoleil.com/
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## Vural Elibol
**Chief Cameraman, Anadolu Agency**
Vural Elibol is Chief Cameraman at Anadolu Agency, where he has documented major international events through photojournalism and broadcast production. His work reflects decades of professional experience in visual storytelling and has contributed to international news coverage while highlighting important global developments.
**Profile**
[https://www.linkedin.com/in/lokman-vural-elibol-74688b174/]
