Leman Yılmaz is a performing arts professional with over two decades of international experience in production, cultural management, and academic practice.

Based in Istanbul, she graduated from Galatasaray High School (French-based education) and later completed her undergraduate studies in Sociology at Boğaziçi University, followed by an MA in Social History. Her MA thesis, focusing on the history of dance in Turkey as a process of socialization, represents one of the first academic studies on this subject. She subsequently completed her PhD on dramaturgy and theatre criticism.

Her professional career began in journalism, where she conducted interviews with numerous international artists and companies visiting Istanbul. She later joined the Institut Français in Istanbul as Assistant Director, where she contributed to the development of interdisciplinary and international cultural projects spanning dance, theatre, and visual arts, while actively participating in European cultural networks and meetings.

In 2003, she worked at Théâtre Vidy–Lausanne and collaborated with Heiner Goebbels as assistant director for the production Eraritjaritjaka, under the artistic leadership of René Gonzales. This experience further expanded her international perspective on contemporary performance practices.

Between 2005 and 2022, she held key positions at the Istanbul Theatre Festival, first as Assistant Director and later as Artistic Director. During this period, she curated and managed numerous international productions, contributing significantly to the festival’s global positioning and artistic vision.

Following her tenure at the festival, she continued her work in the independent performing arts scene, collaborating with venues such as DasDas and founding the IO International Theatre Festival, further strengthening her role as a cultural strategist and producer.

Throughout her career, she has worked extensively across Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia, participating in international festivals, showcase platforms, and cultural cooperation programs. She has also served as a jury member for prestigious events such as Boska Komedia (Kraków), Fajr International Theatre Festival (Tehran), and Nederlandse Dansdagen (Netherlands).

She has been an active member of leading international networks including IETM, Teatroskop, and ISPA, contributing to the development of global performing arts dialogue and collaboration.

Alongside her professional practice, she is an Associate Professor in Performing Arts Management and has taught at several universities in Istanbul, currently continuing her academic work at Istanbul Bilgi University. Her teaching focuses on bridging theory and practice, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of both local and international performing arts ecosystems.

Her contributions to the field have been recognized internationally, including being awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Ministry of Culture.

In addition to her academic and professional work, she has contributed to cultural journalism and co-created the interview series “Backstage,” a digital platform featuring conversations with artists and cultural professionals.

Through IPAM, Leman Yılmaz brings together her extensive experience in production, cultural strategy, and academic research to develop projects that operate at the intersection of performing arts, international collaboration, and critical discourse.