United Arab Emirates
Kerem Turgut is the Senior Event Programmer and Music Booker at Dubai Opera, the Middle East’s most influential performing arts center, with expertise in live entertainment, venue management, and contemporary music. He previously held the position of Event Programmer and Music Booker for events and festivals at the Zorlu Performing Arts Center in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest performing arts center.
In 2023, Kerem was selected as one of the “20 New Bosses of 2023” by IQ Magazine and ILMC, recognizing him as one of the leading young executive figures in the international live music business.
In 2021, he contributed his expertise to Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality’s Cultural Department, focusing on supporting the local community and artists heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to diversity and equity in the arts, ensuring that a wide range of voices and perspectives are represented in the events he programs and the talent he books. His diverse background includes experience in both private and governmental institutions.
Some notable booking highlights include artists like Massive Attack, Patti Smith, Sigur Rós, Pet Shop Boys, Ludovico Einaudi, Bonobo, Bobby McFerrin, Little Simz, Ólafur Arnalds, Rufus Wainwright, Black Pumas, Nils Frahm, Damien Rice, Weyes Blood, Angel Olsen, Laurent Garnier, Tove Lo, Men I Trust, alt-J, Metronomy, Chris Botti, Chromatics, Aurora, and Bicep.
