The Blue Exile Art Project (BEAP) Underwater Park, located in Bodrum, celebrated its 1st Stage opening with a significant ceremony.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Bodrum Maritime Museum, under Bodrum Municipality, and the Blue Aegean Sea Rotary Club, part of International Rotary’s 2440th Region.

The event took place on Görecek Island, near Bitez, where numerous yachts, including the STS School Ship anchored off Bodrum Port Castle, ferried protocol members and art enthusiasts to the site. The gathering aimed to highlight the importance of protecting marine environments and coastlines.

Six artists showcased their large-scale sculptures and installations underwater, all centred around the theme of “oxygen.” This innovative display aims to merge environmental awareness with artistic expression.

Bodrum Deputy Mayor Emel Çakaloğlu addressed journalists, emphasizing the project’s significance for marine conservation. “The world is ruthlessly polluted,” she remarked. “Today, we are inaugurating our underwater museum to enhance and preserve our sea. This is a crucial project for Bodrum, marking the beginning of an environmental initiative.”

Selen Cambazoğlu, Director of the Bodrum Maritime Museum, noted the participation of six artists whose works now reside underwater. “Visitors can explore the area via diving tours, tour boats, and private vessels,” she explained.

Project Coordinator and former Blue Aegean Sea Rotary Club president, Şule Kükrer, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “This project marries environmental and marine conservation with art. Our goal is to impact the environment positively and convey meaningful messages through art. My hope is for this project to be sustainable.”

The ceremony concluded with the underwater cutting of the park’s opening ribbon, captured by underwater cameras and drones. Participants, including swimmers and divers, explored the exhibition, marking the successful launch of BEAP Underwater Park.