Istanbul
AWITA Forecast Sponsored by Hallett Independent
A Notable Woman in Insurance
“Before transitioning into the world of insurance broking, Louise Hallett was an art dealer. Her experience in art dealing and interacting with collectors, gave her a unique perspective on the insurance needs of those involved in the fine art market. This ethos, being a deep understanding of the art market, still defines the company today.” - Hallet Independent
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.
1. From Ankara’s Politics to Istanbul’s Pulse
“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 peel.”
- Speaker
Turkey has evolved from the politically driven cultural hub of Ankara to a cosmopolitan, privately driven art scene since the 1980s. The city of Istanbul now thrives on a mix of private initiatives, biennials, art fairs, and grassroots artist-run spaces, staying dynamic despite economic and political turbulence it faces.
2. Young Generations Are Driving Collecting Practices
Turkey has a young, well-educated, and globally aware audience engaging with conceptual art, video, or performance work.
“Istanbul is young… Turkey has young collectors, and they have been engaged in the arts market for almost 10 years now.”
- Speaker
3. Funding Istanbul’s Creative Core
About 90% of Istanbul’s art ecosystem is private, with foundations like SAHA supporting curators and artists. The city is connected well globally, with many professionals splitting their time between Istanbul and international cities like London and Paris.
4. Art Spaces Are Reviving Turkish Heritage and Transforming Spaces
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
5. Resilience and Community Define the Art Scene
“This is a scene that has withstood many trials and tribulations… but at the same time always coming up with solutions, an extremely resilient city.” - Speaker
Despite economic and political challenges, the scene has adapted and endured, with solidarity among artists, curators, and institutions.
Visit Biennial for more information: https://bienal.iksv.org/en
https://www.contemporaryistanbul.com/
AWITA Forecasts sponsored by Hallett Independent
A specialist firm of knowledgeable private client and art insurance brokers with a shared enthusiasm for art.
Get in touch with the team at enquiries@hallettindependent.com to find out how they can assist you.
The First Art Insurance Policy:
“Art insurance is believed to have originated in the 19th century when wealthy individuals began insuring valuable collections, highlighting the importance of protecting unique and irreplaceable items like fine art.” - Hallet Independent