Lara Mercan Şahin
Research Intern
Lara Mercan Şahin is an arts & culture professional with a background in performing arts management, programming, production, and cultural research. Originally from Turkey, she recently completed the Master in Arts Management and Administration at SDA Bocconi School of Management in Milan, after studying Psychology and Management as a double major at Sabancı University.
Her path has been shaped by studying and working across Turkey, the Netherlands, and Italy, which has strengthened her interest in multicultural environments and in the role arts can play in creating dialogue, connection, and social inclusion. Lara sees the arts not only as a creative field, but also as a powerful social tool that can bring people together, open space for different voices, and make cultural participation more meaningful.
Before joining ABA, Lara worked across performing arts institutions and festivals, including Piccolo Teatro di Milano, Zorlu Performing Arts Center, the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, and Sabancı University Performing Arts Center. Her experience includes programming, production coordination, artist relations, event organization, cultural project development, and supporting both local and international productions.
With her business background, Lara is especially interested in the management gaps that many arts institutions face, from strategy and sustainability to organization, operations, and public value. She is drawn to the space between the creative and managerial sides of the arts, and hopes to contribute to projects that help cultural organizations become more inclusive, resilient, and connected to the communities around them.
Outside of work, Lara is passionate about theatre, musicals, contemporary performance, and exhibitions. Her own involvement in theatre has made her especially curious about the artistic process, the people behind it, and the ways creative ideas can be supported through thoughtful and sustainable management.