Yeda Alara Iyigun
Yeda Alara Iyigun
MENTEE
Spain - Türkiye
COHORT OF 2025
Mentor : Alexia Jacques-Casanova
My mission is to foster open and accessible cultural initiatives that bring people together, strengthen communities and build dialogue across cultures.
I am a professional in arts and cultural management with experience in international art fairs, cultural institutions and community focused creative projects. I have been involved in a variety of projects, from program coordination to content creation, which has given me a broad perspective on how cultural initiatives can engage and inspire communities. Working across different countries and sectors has strengthened my sensitivity to inclusion, diversity and the social role of culture, and I am drawn to environments where ideas, people and artistic expression intersect.
My core passion is creating cultural experiences that are inclusive, accessible and meaningful for the communities they reach. I am particularly motivated by initiatives that give voice to underrepresented perspectives, foster cross-cultural exchange and connect audiences to art in ways that feel relevant and engaging. In the long run, I hope to support cultural ecosystems that act as bridges, places where understanding, empathy and shared experiences can flourish. Whether through program development, international collaborations, or cultural policy work, I want to turn ideas of inclusion and community engagement into real, tangible impact through art and culture.
I joined the 30U30 Mentorship Program to explore leadership in the cultural sector more deeply and how I can further develop and apply my expertise, as well as to connect with peers who share similar values. I was drawn to the program’s focus on global community, open dialogue and reflective professional growth. So far, the experience has been both inspiring and motivating.
My mentor has been a particularly important part of this journey. Our conversations have helped me see my professional path from new perspectives and gain confidence in my own voice. Her guidance has shown me how to turn my interests, accessibility, cross-cultural exchange and community engagement, into concrete approaches for the future. The mentorship has been supportive and encouraging, and it continues to help me reflect on my goals and how I want to contribute to the cultural field.