The 18th Istanbul Biennial, scheduled between 14 September and 17 November 2024 has been cancelled.
The announcement made by Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) is as follows:
‘’ The Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV) has been working since March 2023 with some 58 artists from around the world to realise the 18th Istanbul Biennial. The curatorial framework proposed for this biennial explored the role of art in the aftermath of loss and trauma, facilitating the production of dozens of new works of art and fruitful new local and international collaborations.
Meanwhile, in response to criticism of its decision-making procedures, IKSV reviewed its governance mechanisms with the goal of making them more participatory. Our goal, as always, was to ensure that the Istanbul Biennial provided a platform for artistic expression, dialogue and interaction. However, we have witnessed the emergenceof undesired divisions in art circles that are adversely affecting artists who had already agreed or might haveagreed to participate in the biennial as well as collaborations and partnerships. Unfortunately, this situation has made it impossible to hold the Istanbul Biennial as planned.
We regretfully announce, therefore, that the 18th Istanbul Biennial, which was scheduled to open its doors on 14 September 2024, will be postponed. Just as we have always worked hard to organise the Istanbul Biennial in the best way possible, we will ensure that the Istanbul Biennial returns to audiences in 2025, following a new process carried out within the framework of our new regulations.’’
Significant changes unfolded as of January 5 when the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts (IKSV)announced Kevser Güler as the new director of the Istanbul Biennial, effective from January 15, 2024. This follows the decision of the previous İstanbul Biennial Director, Bige Örer, to step down from her duties at IKSV as of January 15, 2024.
Earlier in the year, the Istanbul Biennial faced challenges within its advisory panel, becoming a focal point in the art scene. In January, the advisory board convened to assess four shortlisted curators, including Defne Ayas, known for organizing exhibitions such as the Gwangju Biennial in South Korea in 2021. Ayas was the preferred choice for most panel members, which included Selen Ansen, a curator at Arter Contemporary Art space in Istanbul, Agustín Pérez Rubio, an independent curator based in Spain, Iwona Blazwick, and Yuko Hasegawa, the director of the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa, along with Turkish-Armenian artist Sarkis. Despite this, IKSV opted for Iwona Blazwick, prompting the resignation of three advisory panel members. Controversy ensued as Turkish curators expressed doubts about Blazwick’s selection as the curator for the upcoming Istanbul Biennial.
