ABOUT US

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The Art and Culture Workers’ Democracy Union (SANDEM) was founded to protect the social, economic, and professional rights of workers in the fields of art, culture, and education in Türkiye, to defend freedom of expression, and to promote fair working conditions within the sector. As a pioneering initiative in Türkiye, SANDEM aims to build a more just and free working life for art, culture, and education workers.

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SANDEM develops mechanisms to safeguard both the individual and collective rights of workers. In this regard, the union seeks to introduce Türkiye’s first-ever Collective Bargaining Agreement for Art Workers, aiming to protect artists’ intellectual property rights as well as their economic and moral rights. These specific regulations form the foundation of a more sustainable and secure employment model in the arts sector.

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Guided by UNESCO’s recommendations and SANDEM’s initiatives, the union takes concrete steps to enhance the recognition of workers’ contributions to social development and to improve their living conditions. SANDEM aspires not only to protect the rights of its members in Türkiye, but also to serve as a model at the international level.

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Our union advocates for equal rights for all workers, without discrimination based on gender, language, religion, ethnic identity, or sexual orientation. Creating opportunities where everyone—from women artists to LGBTQ+ individuals and workers from diverse backgrounds—can freely express their creative potential is among our core priorities.

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In addition, SANDEM supports young artists entering the sector by providing guidance, education, and mentorship programs aimed at securing their careers. By encouraging the creation of new areas of employment, the union contributes to the development of their creativity and professional growth.

By joining SANDEM, you can help build not only your individual rights but also the future of the art, culture, and education world. Let us work together for a Türkiye where individuals can exist freely and with dignity.