Contemporary Istanbul

In recent years the Turkish city has become a powerhouse of modern art, and Contemporary Istanbul has a reputation for showcasing the region’s most experimental artists who are pushing culture forward.

Chosen for: Preserving Culture, Innovation and Driving Diversity.

The 18th edition of Contemporary Istanbul will take place in the vibrant neighbourhood of Tersane, where historical Ottoman-era shipyards dating back to the 15th century juxtapose the contemporary art that fills them. First launched in 2006, the fair embodies the energy of the city: the meeting point between east and west, a place where centuries-old cultural relics coexist with a thriving contemporary art scene. The shipyards were once used to build fleets that fuelled conflict in the Mediterranean, but now they act as a meeting ground for different cultures to appreciate art and swap ideas.

Dubbed the leading art fair in the region, connecting artists – both emerging and established – with galleries and collectors from around the world, Contemporary Istanbul is a breeding ground for new ideas. The art fair is strongly rooted to its surroundings and platforms the diversity of voices in Istanbul and beyond. A wide roster of international galleries from Europe, the Middle East, North America, Africa and Asia will join the line-up for 2023, sitting alongside contemporary art initiatives and institutions from lesser known regions of Turkey. The five-day event taking place at the end of September preserves Turkish culture while simultaneously shaping what lies ahead for art in the region.

Contemporary Istanbul runs from 27 September to 1 October 2023 at Tersane.