Oguz Oner

Background

About Oguz Oner

Oğuz is a cultural manager, urban researcher, sound designer, and TEDx speaker. He graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University and Aalto University School of Arts, Design, and Architecture in 2006 and has since been involved in projects connecting arts, culture, urban design, psychogeography, and sound. Currently, he serves as the Artistic Director at Koç University and manages its Cultural Center (SGKM). Oğuz holds a PhD from Istanbul Technical University, where he explored the interplay between sonic environments, culture, and human perception in the field of soundscape studies. Oğuz organizes ‘soundwalks’ and collects user data to create evolving sound maps of urban areas, including Kadıköy, as part of his project kadıköy_Akustik, which was recently featured in a TUBİTAK 4004 project on children’s city perception. Over 15 years, Oğuz has curated and hosted events such as concerts, open-air jazz sessions, urban exhibitions, interactive experiences, and thematic film screenings. Signature events like Perşembe Klasiği (Thursday Classical Music), SalıCaz! Terrace Jazz Sessions, and Deep Listening Experiences showcase his dedication to blending art with community engagement. He is the founder of the indie-pop band Nu Park, performing locally and internationally for over a decade. Oğuz also creates music for films, dance performances, new media, and installations. Collaborations include sound design for the AR exhibition Speaking Vessel with Apple and Tin & Ed, and live music performances with TORK Dance and Akbank Sanat Dance Projects. Currently, he is working on a multidisciplinary project at the intersection of neuroscience, XR, sound perception, and the arts. Discover more about Oğuz here: https://oguzoner.com