Welcome Eda to KEA!

We’re happy to welcome Eda Nur Yılmaz to KEA as a consultant trainee, bringing a strong academic background and a deep passion for cultural heritage, well-being, and inclusive urban development.

🚀 Her mission at KEA

“My mission at KEA is (1) to make a meaningful contribution to the development of cultural and creative industries’ strategies, and (2) to further develop myself within EU research and policy development. During my studies, I have conducted research on various topics, including the European audiovisual industry, urban archaeology, gender and media diversity, and heritage and well-being. By combining my own background and interests with KEA’s multidisciplinary and holistic approach to cultural and creative industries, I am confident that I will learn, be inspired by KEA, and make a meaningful contribution.”

🎓 Her background and interests

“My background in social sciences and urban studies allows me to work on a wide range of topics, including urban energy, inclusive urban policy design, and nature-based solutions. However, there are certain topics I am more passionate about, such as heritage and well-being research. For my master’s thesis, I explored the role of local cultural heritage in promoting resident well-being through a case study of my hometown, Lier. This process highlighted how culture, and specifically cultural heritage, contributes to sustainable development beyond its economic potential by, among others, (1) promoting a sense of place and community, (2) fostering a participatory culture in heritage management, and (3) intergenerational/ intercultural transmission and heritage education. As urban planners and policymakers, it is crucial (1) to recognise heritage and well-being as reasonable political goals and (2) to permit thoughtful and participatory planning and decision-making to achieve urban sustainability goals and work towards a higher quality of life in cities. As KEA is also actively engaged in cultural heritage projects and research, I look forward to contributing to these endeavours.”

🌍 Outside of work

“During my master’s thesis, I conducted observations in cultural heritage settings and interviewed volunteers. This truly made me appreciate the value of volunteering, as I personally saw how heritage brought people together, including locals, children, refugees, and people with special needs. So, I decided to contribute to my local community by volunteering on weekends, working with children, and doing crafts.”

“Moreover, as an urbanist, it’s no surprise that I love exploring cities, both abroad and in Belgium. Travelling the world, visiting ancient sites and modern cities (Ephesus, Cappadocia, Hattusa, Lisbon, Bursa, Granada, Mostar, Budapest, etc.) offers insights into different cultures and lifestyles, from which there’s always something to discover and learn. I also enjoy revisiting certain places because there are always new ways to appreciate them. My current favourite place in Brussels, for example, is Génicot, located in the 175-year-old Galerie Bortier. This small, three-storey bookshop sells vintage and second-hand books, among others, on literature, Brussels heritage and history. It is full of literary gems, if you know how to appreciate them…”

Welcome to the team, Eda! We’re excited to have you with us and look forward to your contributions to KEA’s work on cultural heritage and creative industries.