Istanbul Forecast

An online Forecast capturing the cultural pulse of Istanbul featuring real-time insights from leading cultural commentators.

Speakers included: Jade Turanlı, Founder and director, PI Artworks, Eda Kehale Argün, Art advisor and senior representative consultant at Christie's, for Turkey and Anlam de Coster Arslanoglu, curator, advisor and founder, Fairplay. Moderated by Bengü Gün, (Strategic Advisor, Curator), and COO at esea contemporary.

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1. From Ankara’s Politics to Istanbul’s Pulse

Since the 1980s, Turkey's cultural focus has shifted from the politically driven center of Ankara to the cosmopolitan, privately driven art scene of Istanbul. Istanbul thrives on a mix of biennials, art fairs, private initiatives, and grassroots artist-run spaces, staying dynamic despite economic and political turbulence it faces.

“What’s constant about all of it is that Istanbul is very vibrant. It’s dynamic, it’s multi-layered… It’s like an onion”
- Speaker

2. Public vs Private Funding

About 90% of Istanbul’s art ecosystem is private. There’s not a huge choice when applying for government grants or commissions. The publicly sponsored events are very strong.

SAHA, a privately funded foundation, actively supports artists and curators. If you're a curator visiting Turkey, reach out as they offer dedicated opportunities.

3. New Stream of Young Collectors

Turkey has a young, well-educated, and globally aware collector base engaging with conceptual art, video, or performance work.

4. Historical Sites

Initiatives like Zeyrek Çinili Hamam show how local historical sites can become new hubs for contemporary art, blending heritage with contemporary practices.

“It tells a story of passion and philanthropy… a 16th-century bathhouse now functions as a cultural complex with a dynamic contemporary art program.”
-Speaker