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Alongwitheducationandresearch,
Ege University, which has a new under-
standing of transforming its accumula-
tionstosociety; inotherwords,anunder-
standing of becoming a third generation
university, has reached its 58th year.
Never neglecting to express its gratitude
to those who procure this experience and
accumulation, Ege University carries on
its social responsibilities. The university’s
main concerns include internationally-
valid certification of quality in education
and research as well as reinforcement of
educationwithculture,artandsports.For
this purpose, the university has been ef-
fectively using all the premises including
the Levantine Mansions for cultural and
art activities. This interest and enthusi-
asmhavereflected itsresponsibilitiestowardssocietyand initiatedthe5thEgeArtArtDaysevents.
EgeArt is a defined and accredited trademark for art activities. In fact, EgeArt is an event
which demonstrates the importance Ege University attaches to art; perception of art as an edu-
cationalmediumandanaestheticfactor;gettingupdatethroughartasameansoforiginalcrea-
tion; and helping youths build their future by bringing them together with veteran art masters.
Art,whichisbothabreatherinman’squestforthemeaningoflifeandaprocedureforresearch
and perception, is a sphere of intellectual, emotional and technical activity and has an unquestion-
able importance in social life. Art is the ultimate result of man’s interrelation with nature and quest
for meaning and quality. It is the aesthetic climax of artistic sensitivity. Artists have an irresistible
desireforsharingtheir intenseemotionalandperceptualaccumulationwithotherpeopleatacross-
roadontheirwaytoreachharmonywhichtheycreatebeyondchaos.Thentheyexpressthemselves
in different ways.This adds new contributions to man’s understanding of civilization, new concep-
tionstocollectiveconsciousnessandnewvaluestotheworldofart.Thisuniversalexpressiongrasps
all people through an artistic expression in a common language.The harmony achieved carries the
artisttonewdepthsandsendshimonatrip forcreatingnewworksanddiscovernewdimensions.
We are bringing together Izmir residents with many artists, each conscious of their own
freedom and originality, in a common art atmosphere without neglecting our academic respon-
sibilities.Ourtoppriority inthisyear’sactivitieshasbeenEXPO,atradeeventcarryingutmost im-
portance for our country. In line with the general character of EXPO, we have chosen the theme
“On the Edge”without restricting the freedom of artistic expression. We tried our best to invite
most prominent artists from countries where we can introduce Izmir as a center of art. Conse-
quently, we have planned exhibitions at 22 different art centers displaying works of 503 artists
from40foreigncountriesaswell22Turkishcitiesand38universities. Inaddition,wehaveorgan-
ized a comprehensive art festival including many concurrent workshops, various concerts, stage
performances, film shows, panels, contests and a photo-marathon covering all these activities.
Sustainability and regeneration of the efforts exerted are directly proportional to the extent of
participation and interest in the events.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all institutions, organizations and individuals
who have shared the pride of hosting the 5th EgeArt Art Days.
Prof.Dr.CandeğerYILMAZ
EgeUniversityRector
