Contemporary Istanbul readies to celebrate its 20th anniversary from 24–28 September 2025 at Tersane Istanbul, with Akbank as its main partner. The 2025 edition reflects two decades of growth for the fair, which has become a vital meeting point for collectors, artists, and institutions from across the region and beyond.
International Highlights and Institutional Collaborations Marking 50 years of the BMW Art Car Collection, this year’s edition will include a rare showing of two iconic models: the first designed by Alexander Calder, and the latest by Julie Mehretu.
Contemporary Istanbul’s 20th edition also deepens its engagement with leading museums and art organisations worldwide. Special presentations will include contributions from the UBS Digital Art Museum (Hamburg), Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Asia Society (New York), Mori Art Museum (Tokyo), Sigg Art Foundation (Le Castellet), Barjeel Art Foundation (Sharjah), and others, underlining the fair’s commitment to international dialogue.
CI 20 Focus: America
The fair’s curated Focus Section this year will spotlight the contemporary art scene in the United States, with a particular emphasis on New York. Titled Focus America, the programme will explore the country’s role in shaping global cultural narratives and foster new connections among artists, curators, and collectors. Institutional leaders from major US museums will take part in a series of panels, exhibitions, and networking events.
CIF Dialogues: “Dispersing Coordinates”
CIF’s annual conference, Dialogues, returns this year under the theme “Dispersing Coordinates: Istanbul and the Shifting Map of Art.” The programme will reflect on global cultural shifts and Istanbul’s evolving position in the art world. Confirmed speakers include Jennifer Stockman (Honorary President, Guggenheim Museum), Anne Pasternak (Director, Brooklyn Museum), and Ahu Antmen (Director, Sakıp Sabancı Museum).
