Art Events in Istanbul

Gokce Nacar

Apr 05 1223 read

The cosmopolitan metropol is not only famous with its historical spots. Apart from the beauty you can experience through Hagia Sophia, Galata Tower or other landmarks, Istanbul also offers a great amount of contemporary art and culture. Being a bridge between the east and the west, Istanbul hosts artwork of hundreds of artists all around the world. Istanbul, for the last century, has become one of Europe's cultural spots. The galleries in this city, which are cultural crossroads, exhibit the work of some of the most exciting artists in Turkey and beyond. Sometimes, it's necessary to take a break from touring Istanbul's historical sites and enjoy a soothing, calming art experience. We have compiled some of the best art in Istanbul for you!

Istanbul Modern

In 2004, Turkey's first museum of modern and contemporary art, Istanbul Modern, opened its doors to the public. To express Turkey's artistic creativity and cultural consciousness with the local and international art worlds, the museum hosts a variety of interdisciplinary activities.

Istanbul Modern is committed to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and recording modern and contemporary art, photography, design, architecture, digital media, and film from all over the world. It functions as a conduit for the sharing of Istanbul's culture and history with the contemporary art world. It supports artists in both their creations and their efforts to form international partnerships. Explore Istanbul Modern when sightseeing in Istanbul, which provides education facilities to art lovers of all ages in order to make art more accessible to the general public.

Istanbul Biennal

The Istanbul Biennial has been held by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts since 1987. The biennial's aim is to draw together artists from diverse backgrounds as well as the general public in Istanbul's field of visual art. The fifteen biennials in Istanbul that have been organized to date have promoted the establishment of an international cultural network between local and international art circles, painters, curators, and art critics by bringing together new trends in contemporary art every two years.

The Istanbul Biennial is regarded as one of the most prestigious biennials, alongside Venice, So Paolo, and Sydney. Instead of a national representation scheme, the Istanbul Biennial opts for an exhibition model that encourages artists and the public to interact with their work. The curator is selected by an international advisory board, which creates a structure empowered by a dynamic group of artists. Qualified artists and projects all around the world are invited to participate in the exhibition. Art in Istanbul is rising at a higher pace than ever before due to these biennales. See what this biennal has to show when you visit Istanbul!

Printemps des Artistes

“Le Printemps des Artistes,” which started in 2006 and is hosted by Sainte Pulchérie Lisesi in their Od'A - Ouvroir d'Art art gallery in Taksim, is a week-long art exhibition coordinated by Istanbul Accueil.

The cosmopolitan, ethnic, colorful, and noisy city of Istanbul is depicted in the exhibitions, while the traditional and contemporary art forms appeal to your five senses. The choice of this year's theme is "Istanbul, city of contrast."

The show is held in the spring. The aim is to highlight local (both Turkish and international) artists while also collecting funds for carefully chosen charities. The PDA, now in its 14th year, has developed itself as a common cultural meeting place for both Turkish and foreign communities, as well as the local art organizations.

Apart from the other art organizations in Istanbul, Printemps des Artistes has an important goal. A part of the revenue collected by artworks go to charities that look after homeless people, women and patients with psychological disorders.