“Gardens of Sinope” aims to encourage the residents of Sinop to share information on “gardens” between generations and cultures for a future that is harmonious and sensitive with nature, and to create spaces for collective thinking. It aims to protect and revive the local flora that is disappearing due to the rapidly increasing urbanization in the city center, and to encourage the formation of new sustainable practices. The project provides urban dwellers with ecological and contemporary perspectives, presented by national and international experts, to help shape a more breathable city.

The work, progressing through ecological cycles, began with the visit of one hundred gardens in the city center and the planting of fruit tree saplings unique to the city as nature awakens in early spring. The owners of gardens squeezed in between the dwellings met students from the Faculty of Fine Arts of Sinop University. Local saplings were planted in the Historical Prison Garden.

“Sinope’s Gardens” will feature an eco-archive highlighting the city’s floral richness and open botanical print workshops during the Sinopale 9 process.

The project, collaboratively created and managed by Nil İlkbaşaran and Güngör Erdem, will be part of the Biennale exhibition with contributions from artist Kate Price (Netherlands/Australia) and graphic designer Gülce Nur Ertopuz. It is being realized with the support of the International Co-production Fund of Culture for Space and hosts a Master Class program.