Merje joined the team in 2024. She has an MA in Global Creative and Cultural Industries from SOAS and a diverse background across artistic programming, research, cultural management, design and music. Her research explores artistic expression in conflict and post-conflict areas and culture and creative economy as a space for transformation and regenerative value creation. At AGL, Merje leads the coordination of capacity building programmes, litigation surgeries, the Art Fellowship, Podcasts, and supports research on artistic freedom, cultural rights and international law.