Üsküdar: "ÜsKids: Üsküdar's Kids"

The first step of ÜsKids project was developed following a letter written by 39 children to the Mayor, Sinem Dedetaş, aiming to increase children's presence in public spaces and improve their access to cultural and artistic activities. In response to the children's request for playgrounds in their neighborhoods, Mobile Playground activity was initiated, during which streets were closed to traffic and transformed into play areas through a participatory approach. The positive feedback received from this first step paved the way for new projects that make public spaces more accessible to children.

Within this scope, the Cinema in Üsküdar open-air cinema series transformed neighborhood parks and schoolyards into cinema halls, bringing this cultural experience to children with limited access to such opportunities. Stories in My Neighborhood activity brought theaters and storytelling sessions to public squares, enabling children to establish a strong connection with their surroundings. Through the Mobile Puppet Station, portable stages were brought to neighborhoods, allowing children to step away from digital screens and experience live performances firsthand.

The Üsküdar Children's Choir brought together children interested in music, supporting their artistic development while successfully enabling them to represent Üsküdar on national and international platforms. The Mini Fest events, organized in a festival format, created large gathering points where families could spend quality time with their children in safe environments.

Through ÜsKids, public spaces across Üsküdar have increasingly become environments where children can safely gather, play, create and interact with one another. By bringing cultural and artistic activities directly into neighbourhood parks, streets, squares and schoolyards, the initiative has expanded children's access to experiences that stimulate curiosity, creativity and social interaction. As a result, children are able to explore their surroundings, express themselves through cultural and artistic activities, and engage more actively with urban life.

Learn more about: https://uskudarkultursanat.com/ 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGXJO1OtnOM&feature=youtu.be