The 18th Istanbul Biennial begins

Speaking at the festival's press conference held in the French Orphanage Gardens, İKSV Chairman Bülent Eczacıbaşı said, "The Istanbul Biennial is one of the most important steps toward our vision of making Istanbul a global center of culture and arts. The biennial, which has nourished Istanbul's artistic life for 38 years, has reflected trends shaping the international art agenda, sparked new discussions, and offered surprising, thought-provoking, and nourishing forms of expression."

"We exhibited the works of hundreds of artists in Istanbul. We helped rediscover dozens of venues through art," said Eczacıbaşı, speaking about the biennial's contributions to art life.

"OUR SOURCE OF INSPIRATION IS THE GOALS INDICATED BY ATATÜRK"

Ömer M. Koç, Chairman of the Board of Koç Holding, stated that they view support for cultural continuity as part of their social responsibility, saying, "Our source of inspiration is undoubtedly the path and goals set for Turkey by the great leader Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk emphasized that art is the most fundamental criterion for reaching the level of contemporary civilization with his words, 'Success in the fine arts is the most decisive proof that all revolutions are successful.'"

Koç pointed out that art is not only an aesthetic activity but also one of the fundamental elements of social existence.

Curator Christine Tohme thanked Istanbul and everyone who accompanied her throughout the biennial preparations, saying, "I'm grateful to Istanbul for providing me with so many opportunities. I've been working here for a long time. I've been involved in various projects dating back 20 years. Here I am today. I've been with wonderful people who made my journey possible."

"WE HAVE TO STOP WHAT IS HAPPENING IN PALESTINE"

"Our only hope is that through our work we can change the feelings of those who are oppressed in this world, the feelings of those who witness the world's most horrific crimes every day," Tohme said.

I dedicate my words and my work to all those who lost their lives. To commemorate their suffering, but also their honor… Because we will always remember them. They are with us every day. We will never forget those who lost their lives. From people here to people in every corner of the world, in Palestine, Sudan, Congo, in every region of the world… I am sorry I cannot list them all, but all my work is a gift to those we have lost. Because those who truly inspire my work are those who have lost their lives. Therefore, my humble gesture in this biennial is about these people, love, and generosity. We cannot continue like this. We must stop the genocide taking place in Palestine. We cannot sit idly by while knowing that innocent people are being massacred in some corner of the world simply for wanting the right to live, to exist, and to inhabit their land. We will continue to fight. Drawing strength from this city and other cities we connect with and believe in, we will try to change things. Maybe we won't be able to change things now, but our children will. The younger generation will. I truly believe in this. Sometimes I feel foolish and naive, but I carry this belief in my heart, and I sincerely I believe."

SPREADING OVER 8 LOCATIONS

This year, the 18th Istanbul Biennial is preparing to embrace its audiences with a structure spanning three years, transcending traditional biennial formats. The first leg of this edition, titled "Three-Legged Cat," is shaped around the themes of "self-preservation" and "future possibilities." The biennial will continue with its second and third legs in 2026 and 2027.

This year, the Biennial will be held in 8 venues located within walking distance of each other on the Beyoğlu-Karaköy line.

The Galata Greek School, Zihni Han, the ground floor of building number 35 on Meclis-i Mebusan Street, Muradiye Han, Gallery 77, the Cone Factory, which once produced ice cream cones, the Garden of the Old French Orphanage, and the Elhamra Han on Istiklal Street are among the biennial venues.