Organized by Balıkesir's Ayvalık Municipality, the 12th Ayvalık Culture and Arts Days will run from Sept. 1 to Sept. 9. As part of the program, a total of 19 individual events will take place at 13 different venues.

Speaking to the press, Ayvalık Municipality Mayor Rahmi Gencer said the 12th edition of Ayvalık Art Days embraces several art genres. "Various workshops and panel sessions on different art forms from music to literature, painting and photography exhibitions, theater and dance performances will be held during the event." He said that Cunda Island, a popular holiday destination, will also host culture and arts events, apart from the Altınova and Küçükköy neighborhoods. Adding that Ayvalık has been a source of inspiration to artists for thousands of years, Mayor Gencer said: "It is easy to trace how Ayvalık inspired artists [by looking at] the architecture of the district. We are privileged to host this organization, which serves as a great way to promote Ayvalık. This year, we will try to feature as many art forms as possible in the program. I want to thank all the artists who will travel to Ayvalık to be a part of our organization. Apart from the locals of Ayvalık, artists will have a chance to meet and greet local art lovers. We want to erase the dark days that our country has seen recently through these kinds of events, which we consider the bright face of Ayvalık. We look to the future with hope. Let's show others how the Turkish nation unites under the light of arts and culture."

The organization will kick off on Sept. 1 with the opening of Ara Güler's photography exhibition and the screening of the documentary about his art at Küçükköy Cumhuriyet Cultural Center. Artists such as Ataol Behramoğlu, Bedri Baykam, Tolga Sağ, İdil Biret and Ayşe Birgör will also participate in the Ayvalık Culture and Arts Days.