Where Culture Meets Community
Our project bridges the gap between artistic expression and public engagement. Through deliberate collaboration, we weave together museums, businesses, and educational institutions to create meaningful cultural experiences that resonate with diverse audiences.
Our work focuses on three key areas:
Education: Developing programs and public talks that enhance cultural understanding through artistic engagement
Community: Building platforms where artists, architects, museum professionals, collectors, and art enthusiasts can exchange ideas and collaborate
Business: Creating strategic partnerships with brands, organizations, and government bodies to amplify cultural impact and audience engagement
By connecting local artistic talent with global opportunities, we transform cultural initiatives into powerful tools for education, dialogue, and social connection.
Daria Sönmez
Founder and Curator of BENCH
Daria Sönmez is the visionary founder and curator of BENCH, an innovative community-centered project bridging art strategy, consultancy, and education globally. With a diverse international background in the arts and creative economies, Daria has worked across Türkiye, South Korea, Russia, the CIS region, and the MENA region. She has organized numerous artistic projects, including program development and collaborations, while providing mentorship support for emerging artists.
Based in Istanbul and operating globally, Daria is passionate about fostering collaborations with businesses, government initiatives, and cultural institutions. Her mission is to deepen the conversation between organizations and artists while uniting diverse communities and inspiring audiences to discover the transformative power of art in everyday life.
“I am committed to creating meaningful connections that not only elevate artistic expression but also enrich our collective understanding of art’s role in shaping our world.”